Augustine Aminu
In a bid to cushion the effect of rising food prices, the Federal Government on Tuesday said it has concluded arrangements for distribution of 12,000 metric tonnes of assorted grains to vulnerable Nigerians.
The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Mustapha Habib announced this during a visit to Governor Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa.
“I wish to invite His Excellency to note that, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the release of 12,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserves stock for distribution to vulnerable Nigerians.
“This is a way to assuage the rather high cost of living in the face of present global economic realities,” Habib said.
He said that of the 12,000mt, 151.6mt metric tons of maize; 100mt of sorghum and 62.5mt of millet had been approved for distribution to most vulnerable persons in the state.
“To achieve the lofty ideals of Mr President in an efficient and transparent manner, I want to inform you that the food commodities will be distributed to the deserving persons by your good office in collaboration with the minister representing Jigawa, senators from the state, officials of SEMA, officials of the Nigeria Red Cross Society and respected opinion leaders in the state,” he explained.
Responding, Badaru commended the gesture, adding it would cushion the effects of current economic hardships among the people.
Represented by his Deputy, Malam Umar Namadi, the governor said the humanitarian gesture would also provide succour to flood victims in the state.