The Federal Government delivered 1,437 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities to the Niger State government on Wednesday.
The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajiya Zubaida Umar, made this announcement while presenting the items to Governor Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna.
Umar stated that this initiative aimed to alleviate the impact of soaring food prices across the country.
As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, President approved the release of 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve, including maize, millet, sorghum, and garri.
“After sharing the commodities and successfully transporting the quantity allocated to Niger state, today we are here to hand over the food items to the state government for distribution to the identified deserving beneficiaries in the communities, through the constituted committees in each local government area (LGA).”
Niger State received an allocation of 550 metric tonnes of maize, 650 metric tonnes of sorghum, and 237 metric tonnes of millet.
These items are designated for distribution to vulnerable individuals across the state through local government committees.
Additionally, the Federal Government directive mandates that 20% of the food items for each Local Government Area (LGA) be allocated to religious organizations, with 3% earmarked for boarding schools.
During the presentation, Umar also highlighted the 2024 seasonal climate prediction and flood outlook.
According to the forecast, certain areas within Niger State are at high risk of flooding from April to November. To mitigate these risks, the state government is urged to take proactive measures.
She said: “This year, the probable flood risk areas in Niger State are Agwara, Bida, Magama, Muya, Agaie, Shiroro, Bosso, Kontagora, Gurara, Chanchaga, Rafi and Lavun local government areas.
“In view of the foregoing, I wish to request the state government to kindly take proactive and necessary measures in addressing these issues,” she said.
Governor Bago assured that the distribution of food items would prioritize identified vulnerable persons, emphasizing that beneficiaries would not be required to pay for the commodities. Furthermore, he pledged to establish a committee to address flooding concerns.
Mrs. Habiba Garba, representing Polio Affected Persons in the state, expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s support. She affirmed that the association would ensure equitable distribution of the food items to its members.
