Rice

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Japan’s Agriculture Minister, Taku Eto, has resigned after facing intense backlash for saying he has never bought rice because he receives it for free.

The remark, made during a parliamentary session, was widely condemned as tone-deaf, particularly given Japan’s current rice shortages and rising prices, which are attributed to poor harvests and global supply issues. 

Critics accused Eto of being out of touch with ordinary citizens and disrespecting struggling farmers.

“I deeply regret my careless words,” Eto said in a brief statement. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba accepted the resignation and vowed to appoint a replacement soon.

The incident has reignited debate over privilege and accountability among Japan’s political elite.

By Uzair Adam

On Monday, the Federal Government announced the distribution of an additional 10 trucks filled with 50kg bags of rice to each state. These bags will be available for purchase at designated locations for N40,000 each.

During a council meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, informed State House correspondents that this initiative aims to alleviate poverty and address the high cost of living.

Idris stated, “The Federal Executive Council believes that most of the demands made by protesters are already being addressed by the government. Therefore, there is no need for further protests, as the government is actively working on these issues.”

“The President has listened to those planning protests and is already taking action on their behalf. For instance, the government is making efforts to ensure food availability.

“In the previous Council meeting, we announced the distribution of 20 trucks of rice to state governors for distribution to those in need, particularly the poorest in society.

Additionally, rice is being sold at about 50% of its usual cost, with each bag priced at N40,000.”

Idris explained that the rice has been transported to various centers across all states, where it can be purchased for N40,000 per bag. “Initially, 10 trucks have been provided to each state.

“This is just the beginning, and while we acknowledge that the supplies may not be sufficient, these are necessary first steps. More interventions will follow,” he concluded.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in a bid to bolster food security and ensure accessibility to essential food items across the nation, has inaugurated a nationwide sale of seized items, with a bag of rice being auctioned at the price of N10,000. 

During a press briefing held yesterday in Lagos to inaugurate the sale of the food items, Comptroller-General of the NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, underscored the service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding food security and facilitating the availability of crucial food commodities in the country. 

Adeniyi highlighted that the NCS had obtained government approval to distribute confiscated food items to deserving Nigerians at discounted rates.

The targeted beneficiaries include artisans, teachers, nurses, religious bodies, and other members of the populace. 

“In recent months, the government has been addressing the challenges confronting our economy, particularly the lingering effects of insecurity and prevailing exchange rate issues,” Adeniyi remarked. 

He expressed concern over the surge in the outflow of food items to neighboring countries, attributing this trend to the exacerbation of food security concerns.

Adeniyi noted that such practices strain Nigeria’s productive capacity and jeopardize its food security. 

The seized items up for sale comprise over 20,000 bags of assorted grains including rice, beans, maize, guinea corn, millet, and soya beans, alongside 2,500 cartons and 963 bags of dried fish.

Additionally, other items such as dried pepper, tomatoes, cooking oil, maggi, macaroni, salt, sugar, and garri are included in the sale. 

Adeniyi reiterated the NCS’s commitment to overseeing the supply chain diligently to prevent any misuse or diversion of the food items.

He assured that stringent guidelines and eligibility criteria have been implemented to ensure that the items are allocated solely to individuals in genuine need. 

The launch of this initiative signals the NCS’s proactive stance in addressing food security challenges and underscores its role in promoting the welfare of Nigerians amidst prevailing economic conditions.