By Damilare Adeleye
The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs has officially withdrawn its internal circular dated August 1, 2024, regarding the sale of subsidised rice to public servants.
It was recalled that the government had earlier directed its workers to fill a form to purchase the 50kg bag of rice at N40,000, describing it as a step to alleviate the food crisis in the nation and its effects on Nigerians.
The directive was disclosed in a letter from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, which was signed by the Director of Human Resources of the Ministry, Jaiyesimi Abimbola.
The letter said all interested staff members were to complete a form on the OHCSF website and submit it to the director of human resources for endorsement.
It noted that payment for and the distribution of the rice would be coordinated by designated offices while the Chairman of the Joint Union Council of the ministry, would serve as an observer for transparency reasons in the course of the exercise.
However, in a new directive, Aderonke A. Jaiyesimi, the Director of Human Resource Management, stated, “I am directed to refer to our internal circular in the Ministry of 1st August, 2024 on the above subject matter and to inform you that the Internal Circular is hereby withdrawn.”The circular, which was addressed to all directors, heads of departments, and unit heads, further instructed that “the contents of this internal circular [should be brought] to the attention of staff in your respective Departments and Units for their information and proper guidance.”
The directive was issued on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, with copies sent to the minister and the Permanent Secretary for further action.The ministry assured that more information will be provided soon to clarify the situation.
