In order to cushion the effect of hardship in the country, Federal Government Nigerian says it has commenced distribution of 42,000 metric tonnes of grains in some focal points of the state capitals nationwide.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made this known on Tuesday during his Ministry’s interactive session with the joint sitting of the National Assembly’s Committees on Agriculture.
Kyari told the legislatures that for security reasons further details on the distribution of the grains will not be disclosed.
He said that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was currently working with the office of the National Security Adviser, and other national security outfits to address the risk involved in vandalisation of the food warehouses across the country.
“We have received directive and approval from Mr. President to distribute for immediate impact 42,000 metric tons of assorted grains free of charge to the Nigerian population.
“This was received in mid February, as we are speaking we have a record of the distribution being carried out, but I will want to plead with the honorable house and distinguished senators that some of the movements can’t be made public but a lot of states have started receiving their grains.
“We are distributing to State capitals in the first instance as you all are aware the risk involved in the vandalisation of foodstuff so we are working with the office of the National Security Adviser and other national security agencies.
“Distribution has commenced however I will not want to comment on the security aspect of the distribution. I can assure you that we have started distributing in the northwestern states, and we are distributing out of seven points.
“We have been advised by the office of the National Security Adviser to remain silent on those locations and transit of those trucks to the individual to all states. The grains are to be distributed nationwide and free of charge and to vulnerable people,” he said.
The distribution of 42,000 metric tons of grains, which was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is one of the programs being rolled out to cushion the impacts of the hardship in Nigeria.
Furthermore, 58,500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilization.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the interactive session, the Chairman Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development Senator Salic Mustapha expressed satisfaction with the steps being taken by the Federal Government.
“From our interactive session, we on the other side of the parliament, are fully in the picture of what is happening, we are convinced that the steps being taken by the federal government is in the right direction.
“All we did again is to further emphasis on the need why certain things must be done on time, I think this collaborative approach by the grace of God, Nigerians will have a better feel of the government policy on food security”Senator Mustapha said.
