Niger State Government Release 1,000 Trucks Of Subsidised Grains For Ramadan
By Nura Mohammed, Minna
The Niger State Government north central Nigeria has announced plans to release 1,000 trucks of assorted grains at subsidized rates across the 25 Local Government Areas to provide relief to residents during the Ramadan season.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago made this known during a stakeholders’ engagement at the Government House, Minna.
He explained that the meeting aimed to strategize on how best to reduce food prices for residents during Ramadan.
He added that the State Government, through its private-sector initiative, Niger Foods, has harvested millions of tons of food—sufficient to sustain the state.
The governor stated that each Local Government Area would receive 10 trucks of food every 10 days of Ramadan, which would be sold at subsidized market prices.
Additionally, 500 trucks of assorted grains will be distributed free of charge to vulnerable individuals in the society.
He further announced the formation of two committees across the 25 Local Government Areas.
One committee, consisting of members from the formal sector, will coordinate sales to civil servants, while the other committee will oversee sales to the informal sector, including religious and traditional leaders, as well as market associations.
Governor Bago emphasised that the sale of grains at subsidised rates would continue on a quarterly basis to ensure that the masses have access to affordable food.
He also revealed that the State Government has generated 50 billion Naira from agriculture and livestock, underscoring the need for Nigerlites to engage in agriculture due to its vast potential.
Furthermore, he disclosed that the State Government has saved 5 billion Naira from excess expenditures, which is now being used to build hospitals.
He urged those entrusted with the sales and distribution of the grains to act with integrity, warning that defaulters would face strict consequences.
The committees are expected to develop distribution templates within the week before the release of the food items.
The stakeholders’ engagement was attended by members of the Imam Forum, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership, Local Government Council Chairmen, Secretaries of the eight Emirates, and representatives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Market Associations.
Oyenike Oyeniyi
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