Economic hardship: Again, FG shares palliatives, releases 44,656 bags of food items to Abuja residents
…Food palliatives to target most vulnerable Nigerians — Minister
The Federal Government has released 44,656 bags of assorted food items to residents of Abuja, the nation’s capital, as palliatives to address the soaring food prices and scarcity in the country.
The gesture is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Gwagwalada on Thursday, Minister of State in the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said, “This gesture is aimed at addressing the biting food shortages and bringing relief and succour to Nigerians.
“We are committed to alleviating the burden of food scarcity and high cost of food items on Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable who are worst affected by the situation.”
The Minister commended the federal government for the gesture, which she said would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of Nigerians. She also appealed to residents to conduct themselves in a responsible and orderly manner during the distribution exercise.
Earlier, the Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Kolo Geidam, commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and foresight in addressing the rising cost of foodstuffs.
Geidam said, “We have perfected plans with the area council authorities to develop a meticulous distribution plan that would ensure an efficient exercise, making sure that the food items reach the targeted groups.”
The identified groups include the six area councils, Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), Faith Based Organisations (JNI & CAN), and the 17 graded chiefs. Others include Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), all widow groups in FCT, all orphanages in FCT, groups of persons with disabilities in the FCT, Leprosy colony residents, Bwari rehabilitation home, Wako Orphanage, and IDP camps.
Geidam added that the secretariat will follow-up the exercise by delivering the items to the area councils, ensuring that the items reach the most vulnerable members of the community.
This intervention comes after the federal government’s previous efforts to address food scarcity and high prices, including the release of 23,996 bags of 25 kg rice from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
