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FG to release of 58,500 metric tonnes of rice for market stabilisation

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Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari

FG to release of 58,500 metric tonnes of rice for market stabilisation

The federal government is planning the release of around 58,500 metric tonnes of milled rice to the market as a measure to stabilise the market.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari in a message to Nigerians over the prevailing hardship in the country.  

According to the Minister, the Ministry is in partnership with NEMA and the DSS to ensure the earlier approved 42,000 metric tons of grains is distributed fairly across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.  

He disclosed that the distribution will begin this week and promised to ensure those in need get it.  

  • He stated, “We shall commence the distribution of 42,000 metric tons of grains, as approved by Mr. President, across the 36 states of the federation as one of the programs to be rolled-out this week. 
  • “We are working hand in hand with NEMA and the DSS to ensure that the grains get to the right people in the right packages and quantities. Furthermore, 58,500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilization” 

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Backstory  

In the past few weeks, there have been reports of protests over hardship and incidences of members of the public breaking into both private and public warehouses as well as attacking food trucks. This is occasioned by the spike in inflation at 29.90% with food inflation at 35.41% as of February 2024.  

  • President Bola Tinubu through the Ministry of agriculture had earlier promised as a measure to increase supply of grains in the market and stabilise prices release 42,000 metric tonnes of grains across the 36 states of the country.  
  • The price of grains especially rice have increased significantly since the beginning of the year necessitating major off takers like Olam and Flour Mills to stop purchase. According to a survey by Nairametrics, the price of a bag of rice in touched N88,000- a 22% increase when compared with a similar survey earlier in the month.  
  • Around last year, there were projections detailing the increase in the price of grains especially rice in 2024 mainly due to climatic factors like the El Nino winds, insecurity especially in Nigeria, geopolitical conflicts in Europe etc. A study by AFEX exchange stated that the price of rice will surge by 32% in 2024 and the reality is already being witnessed.

FG to release of 58,500 metric tonnes of rice for market stabilisation

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Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido

President Bola Tinubu has been accused of not being forthright about the true state of Nigeria under his administration.

Former Jigawa State Governor and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, Sule Lamido, made the accusation while speaking on the BBC Hausa programme Gane Mini Hanya.

Lamido criticized both Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari for what he described as a lack of transparency in governance.

“Buhari’s and Tinubu’s governments are not being transparent with Nigerians unlike during the time when PDP was in power where everything was transparent and open to all Nigerians,” Lamido said.

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He accused the two administrations of relying on propaganda rather than providing citizens with accurate information.

Lamido also expressed concerns over President Tinubu’s recent loan requests, questioning the logic behind them. “If Nigerians are being told the truth then there is nothing wrong with that, but how would you budget N30tn, generate N50tn and then request loan when you have a surplus of N20tn,” he said, referencing last year’s budget.

He described the situation as “reckless” and “selfish,” adding, “This recklessness and clear-cut selfishness is not done anywhere in the world, but yet you find (some) Nigerians supporting it. Visit social media and see how APC is being criticised, being referred to as calamity, yet you find some protecting it.”

Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido

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Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]

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Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the commencement of its recruitment exercise, assuring Nigerians that the process is entirely free and fair.

The agency has cautioned the public to be vigilant against scammers who may attempt to exploit unsuspecting applicants during the recruitment period.

Applications are invited for positions in the Superintendent, Inspector, and Customs Assistant cadres as part of the Service’s plan to recruit 3,927 officers in 2025.

This initiative is aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and supporting Nigeria’s economic recovery efforts.

“Our recruitment is entirely free and fair. At no stage do we charge fees. Anyone requesting payment is a scammer,” the agency emphasized, urging applicants to be wary of fraudulent schemes.

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The NCS outlined eligibility criteria, stating that applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN), and have no criminal record or ongoing investigations.

Academic qualifications for the three cadres are as follows:

Superintendent Cadre: A university degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) along with an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.

Inspectorate Cadre: A National Diploma (ND) or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from an accredited institution.

Customs Assistant Cadre: At least an O’Level certificate (WAEC or NECO).

In addition to these qualifications, the NCS stressed that all applicants must be physically and mentally fit, providing evidence of medical fitness from a recognized government hospital.

Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]

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Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size

President Bola Tinubu on Monday unequivocally responded to critics who described his cabinet as “bloated” by saying he is unprepared to reduce the size of his 48-man cabinet.

“I am not ready to shrink” the size of my cabinet, Tinubu said during a media chat at his Bourdillon residence in the highbrow Ikoyi area of Lagos State.

“I am not prepared to bring down the size of my cabinet,” the former Lagos governor said, arguing that “efficiency” has been at the core of his selection of ministers.

The president also said he has no regret removing the petrol subsidy in May 2023, saying Nigeria cannot continue to be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries.

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“I don’t have any regrets whatsoever in removing petrol subsidy. We are spending our future, we were just deceiving ourselves, that reform was necessary,” he told reporters.

Tinubu appointed 48 ministers in August 2023, three months after his inauguration. The Senate immediately screened and confirmed the ministers. One of the ministers, Betta Edu, was suspended in January while another, Simon Lalong, moved to the Senate.

There were calls for the President to reshuffle his cabinet as many Nigerians have not been impressed by the performance of some of the ministers, especially in the face of unprecedented inflation, excruciating economic situation and rising insecurity.

In October 2024, Tinubu re-assigned 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios and appointed seven new ministers for Senate confirmation. He also sacked five of his ministers but critics insist that the President’s cabinet remains large, especially with the creation of a Livestock Ministry with a minister.

 

Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size

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