Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, says he is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Advisor (NSA) to ensure the smooth distribution of grains across states.
He added that the grain distribution, which was approved by President Bola Tinubu, has begun in some states.
On February 8, Tinubu directed the immediate release of 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food items from the strategic reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria as a short-term response to the country’s growing food shortage.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, issued the directive following a meeting of the special presidential committee on emergency food intervention.
During an interactive session with the National Assembly Joint Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development on Tuesday, Kyari stated that the directive is currently being implemented.
He stated that the collaboration with the NSA office is intended to prevent cases of looting, which have recently occurred in certain areas of the country.
Kyari said:
“We have received directive and approval from the President to distribute, for immediate impact, 42,000 metric tons of assorted grains free of charge to the Nigerian population.”
“This was received in mid-February. As we are speaking, we have a record of the distribution being carried out.
“But I want to plead with the honourable house and distinguished senators that some of the movements can’t be made public, but a lot of states have started receiving their grains.
“Furthermore, 58,500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilisation.”
The minister added that the palliative distribution was intended to alleviate the impact of economic hardship on Nigerians.
He assured them that the hardship would be over soon.