Nigerian government initiates nationwide grain distribution to alleviate hardship

NIGERIA- The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to distribute 42,000 metric tons of grains across the country to address food insecurity and alleviate hardship among its citizens, starting with Niger State.

The decision was unveiled by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, following a crucial meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security at the Federal Ministry headquarters in Abuja. 

Governor Bago disclosed that Niger State has volunteered to serve as a pilot for the program, emphasizing the state’s commitment to leveraging agriculture to improve the livelihoods of its people.

“The distribution will begin next week,” Governor Bago affirmed, underlining Niger State’s pioneering role in receiving the benefits of agricultural initiatives. He assured that other states would soon join the program, expanding its reach and impact nationwide.

The meeting also centered on preparations for the upcoming visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Niger State to inaugurate the state’s new agricultural mechanization program. 

Additionally, discussions revolved around the federal government’s broader food distribution strategy utilizing national grain reserves, with Niger State leading the charge in the North-Central region to ensure a swift and efficient rollout.

Governor Bago further disclosed that the Niger State Government had procured an additional 120 trucks of food items to complement the federal government’s efforts and extend assistance to a larger segment of the population. 

This collaborative approach underscores the collective commitment of both federal and state governments to addressing food insecurity and mitigating the impact of hardship on vulnerable communities.

Echoing Governor Bago’s sentiments, the Minister of Agriculture emphasized that the grain distribution would adhere to established protocols outlined by the National Emergency Management Agency and the Office of the National Security Adviser. 

This structured approach aims to ensure transparency, efficiency, and equitable distribution of food assistance to those in need across the country.

In a similar humanitarian move, the Ukrainian government has donated 25,000 tons of wheat grain to Nigeria, aimed at alleviating the emergency food crisis in the country.

The donation is part of Ukraine’s humanitarian “Grain from Ukraine” initiative launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, gifted through the World Food Programme (WFP).

It seeks to support 1.3 million vulnerable Nigerians grappling with the aftermath of conflicts in the North East and North West regions.

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