By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has rolled out palliatives distributions of assorted food items to vulnerable and indigent residents in the territory.
The palliatives is aimed at easing the hardship induced by the removal of fuel subsidy.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, on behalf of the Administration performed distributions of over 17,222 bags of rice, 8,400 bags of maize on behalf of the Administration, promised that deserving families in the six Area Councils and 17 chiefdoms in the FCT will receive these items free of charge.
Mahmoud assured the beneficiaries that food items would be released in stages, adding that government is actively exploring other avenues to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.
“There is no doubt that the policy has had a ripple effect on transportation, inflation and an overall burden on the citizenry.”
“It is in realization of these challenges that the Federal Government has been taking several measures to bring succor to Nigerians, among which is the release of assorted food items from the National Strategic Reserve for urgent distribution to Nigerians.”
“We will ensure that every deserving family in the FCT receives these items free of charge,” she stressed.
The Minister of State urged FCT residents to exercise prudence in their daily lives, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration, is committed to implementing measures that would stabilize prices of food items, encourage economic growth, and promote the prosperity and well-being of citizens.
Mahmoud also advised beneficiaries to use the food items, while sharing with those in more need, stressing that Mr. President is striving to reposition the Nigerian economy and win the war against hunger and the attainment of self-sufficiency in food production.
The FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, noted that the Administration, through relevant arms, has put in place measures to monitor the distribution of these essential food items to ensure that they get to the targeted beneficiaries in all the area councils.
The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Director of Operations, Planning and Strategy, Mr. Samuel Attang, also noted that the distribution was part of a series of efforts being put in place by the government to address the economic challenges and create an environment of stability and prosperity for all.
On his part, the Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Hon. Lawan Kolo Geidam, said the secretariat would take the distributions of the palliative very seriously by ensuring that the palliatives reach all those who are intended to benefit from them.
Gaidam disclosed that, “The secretariat has put in place an efficient and transparent distribution system to ensure that the process is fair, equitable, and devoid of any form of favoritism or discrimination.”
The mandate secretary commended Nigerian farmers, who have toiled tirelessly to ensure a steady supply of food in the face of various challenges, adding that their hard work, dedication, resilience and crucial role in mitigating the effects of this economic situation.
“As we move ahead in the task of delivering the dividends of democracy, I am optimistic that the commitment, dedication, and vision that have been demonstrated by the new FCT leadership, will pave the way for a transformative era that will bring forth self-sufficiency in food production”, Gridam noted.
