Activities at the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy came to a standstill today as civil servants jostled for the distribution of subsidized 50-kilogram (kg) bags of rice to public servants. The rice distribution, which has been much anticipated, officially commenced today (Tuesday), drawing staff attention away from regular duties.

In August, the federal government had initially suspended plans to sell subsidized 50-kilogram (kg) bags of rice to public servants for N40,000. The suspension was announced in a circular titled “Withdrawal of Internal Circular on Sale of Subsidized Rice to Public Servants”, which was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs Human Resources Management Department. The document cited concerns that some civil servants might exploit the opportunity, buying the subsidized rice and reselling it at higher prices for profit.

However, after a prolonged delay, distribution of the rice resumed today, disrupting the usual operations at both ministries. Staff members were seen gathered in various areas, with normal work routines paused as workers awaited their allocation of the subsidized rice.

An employee of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, speaking to Abuja City Journal, revealed that the department’s planned Outdoor Games, which was scheduled to begin this week, had been postponed due to the focus on rice distribution. “The Outdoor Games have been put on hold because of the rice distribution,” the source said, highlighting the scale of the disruption.

Our reporter observed that offices within the ministries were unusually quiet, as many employees prioritized the rice distribution over their regular tasks. The distribution process has become the primary focus for the day, and while it offers a much-needed benefit to civil servants, it has also caused significant interruptions to ministry operations.

Another civil servant who didn’t mention her name said the reason for the huge number of staff in the office was the rice distribution. She said, “The problem is that some people [Civil Servants] will buy for other people or resell at higher prices to make profits.”

For now, the long-awaited subsidized rice has taken precedence, with staff eagerly lining up for their share. It remains to be seen how quickly regular activities will resume at the ministries, but for today, rice distribution is the main event.