In a bid to provide affordable food to Nigerians amid rising costs, a Nigerian startup, Egoras, has announced a charity-driven initiative to sell 50kg bags of rice for N45,000 each.
The charity drive comes at a time when the cost of staple foods, including rice, has seen a steep rise due to inflation, foreign exchange issues, and supply chain disruptions.
In some parts of Nigeria, the price of a 50kg bag of rice has soared above N80,000, making it difficult for many households to afford. The project, which will begin on October 12, was designed as a form of social impact, akin to a charity donation.
The chief executive officer of Egoras, Ugoji Harry, told newsmen that at a significantly reduced price of N45,000 per 50kg bag, Nigerians will be getting some relief from the impact of food inflation.
Harry emphasised the growing hardship that many Nigerians face in affording basic food supplies. “The current economic situation has pushed many families into extreme financial strain. We understand that food is becoming unaffordable for many households, and as a company, we feel a responsibility to support our communities. This rice, which is locally produced, would ordinarily sell for almost double the price, but we are offering it at N45,000 to make it accessible,” he said.
In recent months, the price of essential food items like rice has skyrocketed, making it difficult for the average Nigerian family to meet their daily nutritional needs. Inflation, which is currently above 30%, has led to sharp increases in the cost of staple foods, pushing many Nigerians further into poverty.
With food prices at record highs, the launch of Ella Parboiled Rice comes at a crucial time for consumers who are unable to afford basic food staples.
Harry highlighted that the discounted rice is not intended for resellers or distributors. “To prevent exploitation, we have set a limit of one bag per customer. We want to ensure that as many households as possible benefit from this initiative, and we don’t want people buying in bulk just to resell it at a profit. This is a way of giving back, and we’re trying to reach everyday Nigerians who need this the most,” he explained.
In addition to providing affordable rice, the company has ensured convenient distribution with pickup points in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
Customers can pre-order through egomart.org to secure their bags of rice, which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Harry acknowledged the economic challenges but remained optimistic about the positive impact of the initiative. “We believe that this effort, while small, will provide some relief to those most in need. Every bag of rice sold at this price is helping a family get through these tough times,” he said.
Egoras’ initiative reflects the broader issues of food insecurity and economic instability in Nigeria. As the country continues to face the effects of inflation and rising food prices, efforts like this aim to bridge the gap between supply and affordability, offering some relief in a difficult time.
