The National Economic Council (NEC) announced on Thursday that the Federal Government has endorsed a N5 billion grant for each of the 36 states in the nation. This grant is designated to facilitate the acquisition of grains, in addition to providing five truckloads of rice per state. These measures are intended as palliative actions to mitigate the impacts of the elimination of fuel subsidies.
Furthermore, the NEC has sanctioned the allocation of 40,000 bags of maize to be distributed among the states. Additionally, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been instructed to allocate food supplies to states that share borders with Niger Republic due to the recent political instability in that nation.
These resolutions were reached during the NEC meeting, which was overseen by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The meeting took place in the Council Chamber at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, addressing the press at the conclusion of the meeting, emphasized that the N5 billion grant and the provision of rice and grains via trucks were interim measures to address the rise in cost of living following the discontinuation of fuel subsidies. He clarified that these steps were being taken alongside more sustainable initiatives being undertaken by the government. The states have been directed to procure 100,000 bags of rice and beans, among other items.
Zulum also indicated that NEMA was tasked with distributing food supplies to states sharing a border with Niger Republic.
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, also present at the meeting, mentioned that the review of the social register was underway. He noted that Nigeria was already accommodating refugees from Niger Republic, which was affecting the equitable distribution of relief measures.
In contrast, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State revealed that only N2 billion had thus far been disbursed to states, despite the initial approval of N5 billion.