The Federal Government has shifted the date for the distribution of 42,000 metric tons of grains to next week.
Initially, On February 14, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, at the maiden ministerial briefing, announced the immediate disbursement of grains to cushion the effect of economic austerity.
However, speaking to journalists alongside the Governor of Niger State in Abuja yesterday, Kyari revealed that the process would now commence next week without providing any explanation for the delay.
He said, “Hopefully, by next weekend we should be able to roll off. We are starting with Niger State then we will go to all the zones for distribution. It is 42, 000 metric tons of assorted grains like maize, sorghum, millet and garri.
“You know delivery is another issue. As soon as possible, we are going to start. We are starting with local governments to the states.
“So, it would be on the template of NEMA. It is the one doing the distribution through the office of the national security adviser.”
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He also guaranteed Nigerians that the distribution process would be transparent, unlike previous occurrences.
“The office of the national security adviser is heavily involved, as are the Directorate of State Services (DSS), police and the Armed Forces.
“It is going to be a very robust operation with media involvement. It is going to be very transparent. I have seen the matrix that has been done.
“I know that what everybody is worried about is what has happened in the past. We will set out a template that will be a worthy exercise,” he added.
