Hardship: Why Distribution Of Free Grains Is Delayed – Presidential Aide
The present administration of Bola Tinubu has given reasons for the delay of the free distribution of 42,000 metric tonnes of grains to Nigerians as part of measures planned to address the current food insecurity.
Recall that almost three weeks of announcement for the distribution, no grains or food commodities have been given to Nigerians as the economy bites hard with the high cost of food.
Giving reasons the delay, Special Adviser to the President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga said the bagging of grains is ongoing in seven strategic places in the country.
He said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is presently in charge of bagging the grains that would soon be delivered to indigent Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Friday, Onanuga reiterated the assurance that Nigerians will soon receive free gains.
The presidential aide also hinted that 60,000 metric tonnes of rice will be provided by the federal government to give to Nigerians.
“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,” Onanuga said in the statement.
“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.