Abuja, March 20, 2024 – Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Minister, says the Federal Government has started distribution of the 42,000 metric tonnes of grains.
Kyari said this during an interactive session with the National Assembly Joint Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development on Tuesday.
He said the Federal Government started the distribution from some focal points in state capitals across the country.
“We have received directive and approval from Mr. President to distribute for immediate impact 42,000 metric tonnes 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 members 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 vandalism of foodstuff; so, we are working with the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other national security agencies.
“Furthermore, 58,500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilization,” he said.
The minister said that the action of the government became imperative to cushion the impacts of hardship on Nigerians, which he said, will soon become a thing of the past.
He said his ministry was working with the ONSA and other national security outfits to address issues on vandalism of food warehouses. (GBN)
