The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the commencement of the distribution of 10 trucks of 50kg rice to each state, which will be sold at designated centers at a subsidized price of N40,000 per bag. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to address poverty and the high cost of living in the country.

According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, this is an interim measure aimed at providing relief to Nigerians, with more interventions to come in the future. The government has also invested in agriculture and irrigation to increase food production and reduce prices.

Furthermore, the Minister stated that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has noted that most of the demands made by organizers of the planned national protest on August 1 are being addressed by the government. President Bola Tinubu has assured that he is already working on behalf of the youth to address their grievances.

The government has appealed to the organizers of the protest to reconsider their plans, as their demands are being addressed. The Minister emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that no student or young person is left behind, with provisions made for student loans and employment opportunities through the MTT program.

Additionally, the government’s CNG initiative aims to reduce transportation costs by 60% by transitioning from fossil fuel to renewables. The Minister urged protesters to shelve their plans, citing the risk of violence and hijacking by unscrupulous elements.