NEWS
Niger State begins distribution of grains next week, says Gov Bago
By Suleiman Yakubu
The Niger State Government says it will begin the distribution of over 120 trucks of assorted grains by next week to complement the efforts of the federal government in food palliative distribution.
The governor of the state, Mohammed Umaru Bago, disclosed this on Thursday to journalists after meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, at his office in Abuja.
The governor explained that the purchase of assorted grains, which include rice, maize, millet, sorghum, and beans, was to accommodate more beneficiaries in the state considering the present harsh economy.
He said his visit was to discuss the modalities for distribution of federal government food palliatives, as the flag-off for distribution would be done in Niger State next week.
He stressed that the state was determined to lead other states to achieve food security for the nation, adding that the federal government has been supportive in terms of inputs and extension services.
Also speaking, the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, confirmed that the flag-off for the distribution of federal government grains will take place in Niger State.
He said the target for the distribution was the local government areas and that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has the template.
The minister revealed that the office of the National Security Adviser and all relevant stakeholders will partner to ensure smooth and transparent distribution, pointing out that the modalities for distribution would be disclosed as soon as they were made available.