The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari said the Federal Government has commenced distribution of 42,000 metric tonnes of grains to some focal points of state capitals to lessen hunger in the land.
Kyari disclosed this at an interactive session with the Senate joint Committee on Agriculture, Production Services and Rural Development on Tuesday.
Earlier, the committee sought to know the urgent solution to food inflation bedeviling the country, and the Minister said, the Ministry has received directive and approval to immediately distribute 42,000 metric tons of assorted grains free of charge to the Nigerian population.
“This was received in mid February, as we are speaking we have a record of the distribution being carried out, but I will want to plead with the honorable house and distinguished senators that some of the movements can’t be made public but a lot of states have started receiving their grains.
“We are distributing to State capitals in the first instance as you all are aware the risk involved in the vandalisation of foodstuff so we are working with the office of the National Security Adviser and other national security agencies.
“Furthermore, 58,500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilization”, he said .
He explained further that actions being taken , became necessary in other to cushion the impacts of hardship on Nigerians which he said , will soon become a thing of the past .
For security purposes, he informed the committee members that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is currently working with the office of the National Security Adviser, and other national security outfits to address issues on vandalisation food warehouses across the country.
Nigerian Govt distributing grain to lessen hunger – Agric Minister
