AGS NEWS – On Monday, July 29, the federal government announced the establishment of centers nationwide where 50kg bags of rice are being sold for N40,000 each.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, shared this update following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting led by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Idris emphasized that this initiative, part of the Tinubu administration’s efforts, addresses concerns about the high cost of living, making a planned nationwide protest unnecessary.

He noted that President Tinubu is already acting on behalf of those planning the protest through various interventions.

The FEC believes that the demands of the protesters are already being met by the government.

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Idris highlighted several government efforts, including providing trucks of food to state governors for distribution to the needy and selling rice at half the market price.

He acknowledged that the current supply might not be sufficient but assured that these steps are the beginning of ongoing interventions, with more to come.

He also mentioned the government’s investment in agriculture and irrigation to lower food prices.

Student loans and employment programs for the youth are being implemented, and the conversion to compressed natural gas (CNG) for transportation is expected to reduce costs significantly.

Idris urged those planning to protest to reconsider, as the government is already addressing their concerns.

He acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but warned that such protests could be hijacked and turn violent, which would be detrimental to the country.