Federal Government of Nigeria Initiates Distribution of 42,000 Metric Tonnes of Grains to Vulnerable Nigerians

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the distribution of 42,000 metric tonnes of grains, beginning with Sokoto state to address the food challenges of vulnerable Nigerians

The distribution of the metric tonnes of grains, announced by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) through its official X handle, marked the official initiation of the distribution process.

The initiative aims to provide palliatives to those most in need across the nation, in response to the ongoing global economic situation.

Collaborative efforts involving various government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and NEMA, have been instrumental in coordinating the planning and transportation of food supplies.

During the handover ceremony, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, representing the Federal Government, officially presented the assorted food items to Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Sen Abubakar Kyari, the Honourable 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.

Highlighting the nationwide scope of the initiative, Minister Mohammed Malagi assured that every state in the country would benefit from the distribution. He emphasized the active involvement of security agencies and NEMA to ensure transparency throughout the process.

The distribution of the grains follows President Tinubu’s directive to release commodities from the national strategic reserves, including maize and millet, to alleviate the food crisis affecting vulnerable populations across the 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria.

Notably, this initiative comes in the wake of previous efforts by the Nigerian Customs Service to distribute seized bags of rice at discounted prices, which led to a stampede and subsequent suspension of the exercise.

NEMA, operating under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, plays a pivotal role in disaster management across Nigeria.