The Federal Government has announced plans to distribute 42,000 metric tonnes of grains to poor Nigerians at no cost. The distribution is part of efforts to address the rising cost of food in Nigeria, and it follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive to release commodities from the national strategic reserves.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, stated that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) are engaged in the distribution process to ensure that the commodities reach the targeted citizens nationwide. The government aims to provide maize, millet, garri, and other commodities to those in need.
In a press briefing in Abuja, Kyari explained that the government has collaborated with the DSS and NEMA to gather intelligence reports on the areas where the commodities are needed the most. The distribution will be carried out with a focus on ensuring that only the needy benefit from the initiative.
Last week, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had disclosed the President’s directive to release the grains from the strategic reserves. Additionally, the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria committed to releasing about 60,000 metric tonnes of rice to the market to address food availability and affordability issues.
