The Federal Government made a significant announcement on Wednesday, revealing plans to distribute 42,000 metric tonnes of grains, as directed by President Bola Tinubu, to impoverished Nigerians free of charge. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja, highlighting the involvement of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the distribution process to ensure equitable delivery nationwide.

President Tinubu’s directive to release the grains from the national strategic reserves aims to address the escalating food costs in Nigeria. Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, confirmed this initiative following a meeting of the Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention in Abuja. Additionally, discussions with the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria resulted in a commitment to release approximately 60,000 metric tons of rice to the market.

Minister Kyari emphasized that the 42,000MT of grains would be distributed to the needy without charge. He assured that measures, including collaboration with NEMA and DSS, were in place to identify the most deserving recipients. Furthermore, state governors have been briefed on the distribution strategy to ensure transparency and accountability in the process.