ABUJA/Nigeria: The Federal Government has allocated 20 trucks of rice to each of the 36 state governors and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for distribution to the most vulnerable Nigerians. This measure aims to alleviate the hardship faced by citizens due to food shortages.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, addressed State House reporters after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring food security for Nigerians, highlighting the recent distribution as a step towards that goal.
“After exhaustive deliberation, the Minister of Agriculture was directed to ensure food availability. Approximately 20 trucks of rice, each carrying about 1,200 25kg bags, have been supplied to every state and the FCT,” Idris stated, as reported by Daily Trust. “This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to mitigate the hardship experienced by Nigerians.”
Idris noted that state governments are expected to distribute the rice to the most vulnerable populations, aiming to significantly reduce the food supply shortage. He reassured that the federal government would continue to support state and local governments in addressing the food crisis.
In response to widespread complaints about economic hardship, FEC has tasked the Presidential Committee on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to accelerate its efforts. The goal is to alleviate transportation costs by increasing the availability of CNG vehicles and conversion kits.
“There is ongoing discussion about the CNG vehicles promised by the federal government,” Idris explained. “FEC has instructed the Presidential Committee on CNG to expedite its work, ensuring the supply of buses and conversion kits. Existing conversion centers will also be significantly upgraded to reduce reliance on PMS and aid our transition to renewable energy.”
The minister acknowledged the challenges Nigerians face regarding transportation and food prices, stating that FEC is intensifying efforts to address these issues. He also highlighted the ongoing distribution of fertilizers, supported by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which has provided over 2.1 million bags of assorted fertilizer to the Ministry of Agriculture for distribution.
“The government is committed to ensuring food and fertilizer supplies reach those in need. This comprehensive approach aims to address the critical shortages affecting many homes across the country,” he concluded.
