Bagging of grains at strategic reserves delaying distribution of free grains – Presidency
By Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Presidency has explained that the incumbrances involved in bagging of grains at strategic reserves, are the reason for the delays in the commencement of free distribution of grains promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Recall that President Tinubu, had about three weeks ago, promised to release 42,000 metric tonnes of grains to Nigerians to cushion the biting effects of food insecurity.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, said as soon as the bagging of grains which is ongoing on in seven strategic places in the country, is completed, distribution would begin immediately.
He urged Nigerians not to despair, assuring that very soon the packaging will be through.
Onanuga also said that 60,000 metric tonnes of rice will be provided by the federal government to give to Nigerians.
The statement which was obtained by Ikengaonline, restated the commitment of President Tinubu to mitigate the sufferings of Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidy.
It read in part:”The Tinubu administration through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is in the final stages of releasing 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities to support the vulnerable population across the country.
“The grains in seven locations of strategic reserve, are now being bagged for onward delivery to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The need to bag the grains, caused the delay as the bags were freshly ordered by the government.
“Nigerians will not need to pay for the grain bags, as they are free.
“This will be complemented by the 60,000 metric tonnes of milled rice to be purchased by the Federal Government from the Mega Rice Millers.
“Already, with the announcement of the impending releases of food commodities from the Strategic Reserve, there is a noticeable reduction in commodity prices across major grains markets in the country, Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari.”
The prices of commodities especially food stuffs have continued to soar almost uncontrollably across the country, sparking protests in some instances.
