The Federal Government has announced plans to distribute 42,000 metric tonnes of grains to impoverished Nigerians without charge. This initiative, approved by President Bola Tinubu, aims to alleviate the economic strain caused by rising food costs in the country.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during a ministerial press briefing in Abuja, stating that the Department of State Services and the National Emergency Management Agency are collaborating to ensure the equitable distribution of the commodities nationwide.
President Tinubu directed the release of the grains from the national strategic reserves in response to the escalating food prices. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this directive following a meeting of the Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention in Abuja.
Additionally, discussions with the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria resulted in the commitment to release approximately 60,000 metric tonnes of rice to the market, further augmenting food availability.
Minister Kyari emphasized that the distribution of the 42,000MT of grains will prioritize those most in need, with measures in place to ensure accountability and prevent exploitation of the initiative. Coordination with state governors and intelligence agencies, including NEMA and DSS, will facilitate the identification of beneficiaries based on indices of need.
The government aims to mitigate food insecurity and support vulnerable populations through these concerted efforts, underscoring its commitment to addressing the challenges posed by rising food prices in Nigeria.
