Across Nigeria, anxiety is mounting as many states await the promised delivery of rice palliatives from the Federal Government. Despite the announcement that 740 trucks of rice would be distributed to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, only a few states have reported receiving their share.
Last Monday, the Federal Government declared that each state, including the FCT, would receive 20 trucks of rice, each carrying 1,200 bags of 25kg rice, intended for the most vulnerable in society. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized the government’s commitment to alleviating hardship through these distributions. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Northern States in Limbo
In the northern region, only Kano has reportedly received its consignment of rice. States such as Katsina, Plateau, and Borno have yet to see any delivery. Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) officials have no information on the arrival of the rice. Borno State officials, including the Director General of SEMA, Mohammed Barkindo, confirmed they had not received any trucks.
Southern States Receive Partial Deliveries
In the South-West, only Oyo State has confirmed the arrival and commencement of rice distribution. Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, flagged off the distribution, emphasizing that it would reach both urban and rural communities.
South-South Reports Mixed Results
The South-South region shows a mixed picture. Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States have received their rice palliatives. Bayelsa’s Information Commissioner, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, confirmed the arrival of 20 truckloads. In Akwa Ibom, Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, stated that the state received 24,000 bags from the Federal Government and added another 24,000 bags to ensure broader distribution.
However, other states in the region, such as Delta, Edo, and Cross River, have not received their allocations. Delta State government officials confirmed that no rice had arrived as of Friday noon. Edo and Cross River officials did not respond to inquiries about the status of their deliveries.
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Rivers State Prepares for Distribution
In Rivers State, the rice palliative arrived in Lagos on Wednesday. Governor Siminalayi Fubara has set up a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to oversee the distribution. The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, confirmed that the LOC, headed by local government caretaker chairmen, will ensure that the rice reaches the most vulnerable.
South-East and North-East Await Deliveries
In the South-East, states like Ebonyi have not reported receiving any rice. Meanwhile, in the North-East, Borno and Yobe States are still waiting. Alhaji Sirajo Garba Maidugu, the North East Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, stated that no correspondence had been received regarding the delivery.
Middle Belt States on Hold
States in the Middle Belt, including Benue, Niger, and Kwara, also report no rice deliveries. Benue State officials acknowledged receiving other food palliatives but not the promised 20 trucks of rice. Niger State’s Ministry of Agriculture and the governor’s office were unaware of any rice deliveries as of Saturday morning.
South-West States Await Consignments
In the South-West, besides Oyo, other states like Ondo, Ogun, and Ekiti are still waiting. Officials in these states confirmed that no rice trucks had arrived. Ogun State’s Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, said the state was awaiting its consignment and assured that the distribution process would be fair and transparent once the rice arrived.
North-West States Still Waiting
In the North-West, states like Kaduna and Sokoto have not received their allocations. Kaduna officials, including the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, did not respond to inquiries. Sokoto’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Muhammadu Bello Wamakko, confirmed that they were still waiting.
Concerns Over Distribution
The delay in the arrival of the rice palliatives has caused concern among state governments and the general populace. Many are questioning the effectiveness and transparency of the distribution process. The Federal Government’s goal to alleviate hardship through these rice palliatives is currently overshadowed by logistical challenges and delays, leaving many vulnerable Nigerians still waiting for relief.