President Bola Tinubu’s administration has abruptly suspended the planned sale of subsidised 50kg rice to civil servants at the rate of N40,000.
This is coming after the federal government had earlier directed all interested civil servants to complete a Google form on the website of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, OHSF, and submit it to the director of human resources for endorsement.
In a circular dated August 1, it noted that payment for and the distribution of the rice would be coordinated by designated offices, while the chairman, the Joint Union Council of the ministry, would serve as an observer for transparency reasons in the course of the exercise.
But in a surprise move, the federal government withdrew the circular and the reason for the withdrawal was not given.
Also, no explanation was given if the scheme was stopped or only suspended.
The circular read, “I am directed to refer to our internal circular in the Ministry [Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs] of August 1, 2024, on the above subject matter and to inform you that the internal circular is hereby withdrawn. Further details will be communicated in due course.
“Please bring the contents of this internal circular to the attention of staff in your respective departments and units for their information and proper guidance.”
