Headlines

A cross section of civil servants in Abuja have expressed concerns over the suspension of the sale of Federal Government’s subsidised rice at N40, 000 per bag of 50 kilograms.

They made their feelings known after discovering the sudden disappearance of officials at different registration units for the purchase of the rice.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Federal Government promised to sell 30, 000 metric tonnes of 50 kilograms bags of milled rice to Nigerians at subsidised rate of N40, 000.

While inaugurating the scheme, Mr Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security explained that the move by the government was part of its intervention and efforts to crash the prices of food items in Nigerian markets.

NAN also reports that the sale commenced and lasted for over a week, before it was put on hold without notice, an action, workers that were yet to benefit from, decried.

Speaking with NAN, Mrs Mary Nwachukwu, said she was surprised and disturbed when she got to the point of payment at the federal secretariat and found out the officials were not on duty.

`I was encouraged to come to the registration unit at the secretariat, only for me to be told that the whole thing has been suspended.

“Nobody knows what may happen next and if the scheme will still continue,’’ she asked.

Mrs Kudirat Muktah, another civil servant who said she experienced delay in accessing the rice at the initial stage, frowned at the suspension order.

“I was here for two days to get my name registered, but because of the huge crowd, I decided to wait until it eases off, only to be told now that the exercise has been suspended.

“What I heard from the grapevine was that the suspension was as a result of the rowdiness and chaos at the registration and payment point.

“If they can adopt a better method of access to the rice, it will be better for us,’’ she said.

Mr Sylvester Edwards, equally expressed disappointment at the news of the suspension of the sale of the rice, even after he had struggled for two days to get his name written down.

“My brother, I spent two days here before I could register my name, waiting to be called for the rice, but now I am hearing another story.

“Although, we heard that the rice will be accessed through another method, but we cannot trust this government.

“The palliative rice will, to some extent ease the burden of hunger, so, it is important for the government to bring it back,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, finding by NAN confirmed that there was a new arrangement on ground for the purchase of the rice, to end the cumbersome process.

An authoritative source in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, who pleaded anonymity, said it was not the office that coordinated the scheme as speculated.

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that they will regret launching missiles into Israeli territory.

This comes after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel earlier on Tuesday.

Netanyahu emphasized that Iran made a significant mistake and will face consequences for their actions. “Whoever attacks us, we attack them,” he declared, as he convened an emergency meeting with his security cabinet late Tuesday.

Fortunately, the Israeli military has reported no injuries from the Iranian missile attack. According to Rear Adm Daniel Hagari, the military’s spokesperson, Israel’s air defenses successfully intercepted many of the incoming missiles, although some did land in central and southern Israel.

Hagari cautioned that the attack will have repercussions, urging the public to remain vigilant and adhere to the army’s public safety guidelines.

The situation remains tense, with Israel poised to respond to Iran’s aggression.

Israel’s defense system, potentially backed by U.S. assets in the Mediterranean, has proven effective in mitigating the damage from the missile attack.

Emirates Airline, the flagship carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has resumed its operations in Lagos, marking a significant return after a two-year hiatus.

This is coming two years after the suspension of operation by the airline over several issues including unresolved trapped funds belonging to the airline.

The flight EK 783 landed at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Tuesday at 3:32 pm, arriving at the old terminal with several empty seats on its Boeing 777-300ER.

Despite the capacity to hold 392 passengers, the exact number of passengers aboard could not immediately be confirmed; however, eyewitnesses noted the visible presence of many unoccupied seats.

This sparse passenger load highlights the challenges airlines are facing as they resume operations post-pandemic and other operational suspensions.

According to reports by Daily Trust, the operational processes also saw departing passengers being processed at the new terminal, while those arriving were received at the old terminal.

One of the passengers said, “The flight was not full at all but as usual the services were very good. And I think this is understandable being the first flight after many years.”