The federal government has flag-off of the distribution of 42,000 metric tonnes (MT) of Assorted Food Commodities from the National Strategic Food Reserve (NSFR) across the country to Vulnerable Nigerians to cushion the effect of the rising cost of food commodities in our community markets. The event was kick-started yesterday Sunday, 6th April 2024, at the Sokoto state Government House, Sokoto.
On behalf of the federal government, the Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris disclosed the distribution of grains was part of a comprehensive intervention programme the Federal Government is implementing to cushion the effect of hardship in the land as well as to revamp the Nigerian economy for sustainable development for all citizenry.
The Minister revealed that President Bola Tinubu was not happy about rising food prices in the market and that has necessitated his effort to make essential food available and affordable for the common man in Nigerians thereby approved the distribution of 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted grains, including sorghum, millet, and maize, and 60,000 metric tonnes of rice through millers.
He said, “The government calls for continued patience and understanding from Nigerians as we push through these difficult times into a season of abundant benefits and truly renewed Hope. As the President never fails to emphasize, these headwinds we face are only temporary, and we will surely overcome them.
The minister disclosed that this was an effort after a monthly 50% of petroleum importation was achieved, coupled with the Naira is on daily bases gaining ground as against the US dollars and the ‘Renewed Hope agenda’ is set to raise the sum of twenty trillion for investment in the critical sector of the economy.
He added, “A few days ago, the Federal Government unveiled a progressive policy in the power sector, aiming to boost electricity supply sufficiency for all Nigerians.
“The most important aspect of the policy is that the Tinubu administration is sustaining electricity subsidies for 85% of Nigerian consumers, which justifies its credential as a pro-people democratic government while increasing electricity tariffs for only 15% of the electricity consumer population.
“I urge you to continue supporting the Tinubu Administration as it implements policies to overhaul the nation’s economy.”
In his contribution, Minister of Agric, Abubakar kyari revaled the federal government is determine to tackle the raising food cost head-on by ensuring buffers are created through deliberate effort using the Food Storage Policy.
Kyari said, the National Strategic Food Reserve is expected to keep only 5 per cent of total annual food production, while 10 per cent is expected to be kept by State Governments as a buffer stock to complement the National Reserve.
He acknowledged that the buffer stock program is a non-existent in most states of the Federation and had continued to exert avoidable pressure on the Federal Government National Strategic Food Reserve stock, especially at times like this.
“Therefore, I want to encourage all the state governments to begin activating the buffer stock in their various states so that in cases of emergency and future food interventions like this, they will have stocks that complement the federal government’s efforts,” He said.
The 42,000MT of assorted food commodities, comprised of maize (23,600MT), sorghum (12,860 M), millet (3,700MT), and Garri (1,840MT), are to be distributed to vulnerable Nigerians.
The allocation for Sokoto State comprises Maize 506.00MT, Sorghum (589.00MT), and Millet (216.20MT) (44.01 trucks or 26,406 50kg bags). It has since been delivered to the state.
