The Federal Government has declared that it is prepared to start distributing 42,000 metric tons of different cereals the following week.
Additionally, it said that the second stage of the dry season farming operation would start the following week.
At the first ministerial briefing on February 14, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Abubakar Kyari announced the immediate distribution of grains to mitigate the impact of economic austerity.
However, Kyari stated that the process will start the following week in Abuja, alongside the governor of Niger State, when speaking to reporters on Thursday. He did not explain the delay.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Armed Forces, the Police Force, and other security agencies would support Niger State’s usage as a pilot state for the distribution, according to Kyari.
He stated: “Hopefully, we’ll be able to go by next weekend. Starting with Niger State, we will distribute the 42, 000 metric tons of mixed grains—such as maize, sorghum, millet, and garri—to every zone.”
“Delivery is another problem, as you know. We are going to get started as soon as feasible. From local to state governments, we are starting here.
“So it would be based on NEMA’s template. It is the one carrying out the distribution via the National Security Office.”
He assured Nigerians that, in contrast to previous instances, the distribution would be transparent.
“The Directorate of State Services (DSS), police, and the Armed Forces are heavily involved, as is the office of the National Security Advisor.”
“With the media involved, it will be a really robust operation. It will have a high degree of transparency. I have viewed the completed matrix.”
“I am aware that everyone is preoccupied with memories of the past. We’re going to lay out a template that will be a worthwhile endeavor.”
Mohammed Umar Bago, the governor of Niger State, announced that 120 trucks worth of cereals had been bought for distribution.
He declared that the state was prepared to take control of its agricultural future and that he was tired of obtaining agricultural inputs from anyone.
“We would like to extend an invitation to the President of Niger State to inaugurate the agricultural mechanization that the state has been able to provide.” Additionally, talk about the federal government’s palliatives for food distribution from the nation’s grain stocks and use Niger as a North Central pilot state so that it can start in earnest.”
“By God’s grace, by next week. As a state, we are offering to be a pilot state for implementing the President’s program on agricultural and food security, and as a result, our sister states are joining us. This is what we are doing in Niger.”
“But we’re in the lead. In order for us to advance it, the Ministry of Agriculture is providing us with the extension services and support inputs we need.”
In his remarks regarding the distribution module, he said: “The NEMA template is available.” However, I do not doubt that thousands of people will be impacted.”
He continued, saying:
“We’re going to keep growing. We’ll keep farming. We’re sick of taking freebies from everyone else.”
“Therefore, we are educating and sensitizing our farmers and rural residents to the fact that returning to agriculture is the only way out of this crisis.”
“Agriculture is quite broad. Husbandry of animals is one of them. Among these is aquaculture. Aquaculture is the next commercial venture, given the state has an abundance of bodies of water. We are pushing our citizens to pursue their interests.”
