The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to commence the free distribution of 42,000 metric tons of grains across the country, starting with Niger State this week.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, announced this at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security headquarters in Abuja after a meeting with the agriculture minister. He explained that Niger State will serve as a pilot before the program expands to other states.
“The distribution will begin next week,” Governor Bago stated. “Niger State has volunteered as a pilot state to receive the dividends of democracy in terms of agriculture. Our sister states will join the program soon.”
He further explained that the meeting focused on coordinating the visit of Mr. President to Niger State for the launch of their new agricultural mechanization program. Additionally, they discussed the federal government’s food distribution initiative using national grain reserves, with Niger State serving as the pilot for the North-Central region to ensure a swift program rollout.
Governor Bago also informed journalists that the Niger State Government had procured an additional 120 trucks of food items to supplement the federal government’s efforts and reach a wider population.
The Minister of Agriculture, on the other hand, stated that the grain distribution will follow a template established by the National Emergency Management Agency and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
