The Federal Government of Nigeria says it has delivered 1,437.5 metric tonnes of grains to vulnerable Nigerians in Niger state.
The delivery ceremony was announced by the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) via its X page on Thursday May 9, 2024.
NEMA emphasized that the gesture was part of a nationwide initiative approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which targets the distribution of 42,000 metric tonnes to vulnerable Nigerians.
Nairametrics previously reported that NEMA flagged off the distribution of the approved 42,000 metric tonnes in Sokoto state on April 8, 2024.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, who handed over the grains to Niger state Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago in Minna on Thursday, said the federal government was determined to address the harsh economic situation.
NEMA equally announced the delivery of assorted grains to Delta state the same day.
They include 975 metric tons of maize (19,500 bags of 50kg) and 117.5 metric tons of garri (4,700 bags of 25kg).
Umar stressed in Minna that the grains be distributed equally across all local government areas in the state.
Mrs. Umar seized the moment to call for proactive measures against the anticipated floods in 2024, advising the state to ensure the public is enlightened while clean water channels should be created, among other preventive actions.
Recall that the flag-off ceremony in April 8, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi, assured that every state will benefit from the distribution.
Malagi had assured, “I’m pleased to announce that we have kicked off distribution of the 42,000 metric tonnes of grains approved by President Tinubu for release to vulnerable Nigerians from our Strategic Reserves.
“The distribution is being supported by @nemanigeria, with the active involvement of our security agencies, to ensure transparency.
“Rest assured that every State in the country will benefit from the distribution, and we will ensure that we deliver regular updates and information.”