Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has said the ministry was working with the office of National Security Adviser to ensure the safe distribution of grains to states.
He said that the Federal Government has approved the distribution of 42, 000 metric tonnes of grains to some focal points of state capitals nationwide.
Mr Kyari said this Tuesday in Abuja during an interactive session with the National Assembly joint Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development led by Sen. Saliu Mustapha.
“We have received directive and approval from the President to distribute, for immediate impact, 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 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“, he said.
He said the grains were being taken to state capitals, adding the office of NSA and other security agencies were involved in the process because of the recent cases of looting of food stuff.
“Furthermore, 58, 500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilisation”, he said.
He explained further that actions became necessary in order to cushion the impacts of hardship Nigerians were facing, which he said, would soon become a thing of the past.
Responding, Mr Mustapha expressed satisfaction with the steps being taken by the Federal Government.
“From our interactive session, we on the other side of the parliament, we are fully in the picture of what is happening, we are convinced that the steps being taken by the federal government is in the right direction.
“From this collaborative approach, by the grace of God, Nigerians will have a better feel of the government policy on food security”, Mr Mustapha said.
NAN
