Barely two months after presidential directive, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has flagged off the distribution of the approved 42,000 metric tonnes of grains to vulnerable Nigerians.
This is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive, targeted at helping the less privileged access food amid the economic situation.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which made the announcement via its X page on Monday, said the flag-off ceremony will begin in Sokoto State.
As a temporary response to the nation’s growing food crisis and the rising cost of commodities, Tinubu on February 8, 2024, ordered the immediate release of 42,000 metric tonnes of maize, millet, garri, and other commodities from the National Food Reserve, Persecondnews recalls.
The target population is the less privileged, residing across the 774 local government areas of the nation.
The agency added that relevant agencies are collaborating to ensure a seamless distribution to Nigerians.
“The Federal Government has flagged off the presentation of assorted food items to the State Government for distribution as palliatives to vulnerable persons as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to cushion the impacts of the global economic situation being experienced in the country.
“Recall that the President had approved the release of 42,000 MT of assorted grains from the National Strategic Reserve to be distributed to vulnerable persons across the states.
“In adherence to the directive, collaborative efforts were undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the National Emergency Management Agency to coordinate the planning and transportation of the food supplies.
“Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the Director General of NEMA, representing the Federal Government, officially initiated the handover ceremony to Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State, in the presence of Sen Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; Alhaji Idris Mohammed Malagi, the Minister of Information and National Orientation; and Sen Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security. Sen Kyari commended NEMA and security agencies for their meticulous efforts,” NEMA wrote.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, also stated that every state should expect their share in the distribution.
He said: “I’m pleased to announce that we have kicked off the distribution of the 42,000 metric tonnes of grains approved by President Tinubu for release to vulnerable Nigerians from our Strategic Reserves.
“Today in Sokoto, I joined the Governor of Sokoto State, H.E. @Ahmedaliyuskt, and my colleagues, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, @SenatorAKyari, and the Minister of State, @sabialiyu_, to flag off the distribution.
“The distribution is being supported by @nemanigeria, with the active involvement of our security agencies, to ensure transparency.
“Rest assured that every state in the country will benefit from the distribution, and we will ensure that we deliver regular updates and information.”
Author
Leave a comment