FG approved N3bn for Kebbi, other flood-affected states – Minister
The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun has said the National Economic Council has approved the sum of N3bn to Kebbi and other states affected by floods this year, including the Federal Capital Territory.
He made this known while speaking to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi after inspecting some rice farms affected by the flood in the Argungu area of the state, on Sunday.
The Finance Minister said, “The federal executive council has approved the sum of N3bn as support to farmers who lost crops to the ravaging flood in the country.”
The Minister added that the National Economy Council has been proactive in supporting the states of the federation and FCT with N3b for them to take action on the cases of the flooding.
While on a visit to Wacot Rice Mills at Argungu with Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, he expressed satisfaction over what he saw at the company.
He said, “We are happy with what we have seen here which shows that Kebbi alone if well funded can feed the entire nation.”
He stated that President Tinubu is ready to help in the expansion of the rice mills and other mini-rice mills in Kebbi to boost food production and reduce food inflation in the country, as well as create more jobs for Nigerians.
In his remarks, Governor Idris appealed to President Tinubu to come to the aid of Kebbi rice farmers who were adversely affected by heavy floods.
“We appeal for support for the flood victims whose farms were devastated by the flood, to at least mitigate their loss”, the governor said.
He said Kebbi alone can feed the nation as his administration had supported farmers with free fertilisers, free seedlings and free pumping machines to fast-track farming activities in the state.
He noted that as soon as the wet season runs out the state is ready to engage in massive dry season farming with the same support and encouragement to farmers.
The Minister of Budget and Economy Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, commended President Tinubu for his leadership style in reforming the economy towards stabilization of the nation’s economy.
He explained that the road projects from Sokoto to Badagary in Lagos would help farmers a lot in the areas of irrigation and food security.
