In response to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to alleviate food inflation, the Federal Government has revealed plans to commence the distribution of 102,000 metric tons of assorted grains in the coming weeks.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, provided this update during an interview with Punch on Tuesday, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing the soaring prices of food items across the country.
According to Idris, the distribution of the assorted grains is slated to begin within the next two weeks, with a primary aim of stabilizing the current food prices. He emphasized that the government’s focus is to ensure that these grains reach the masses, particularly those most in need.
“The essence is that we want it to reach the real target, the masses, and not just anybody. We hope to make them available in the next week or a maximum of two. By that time, we will start the distribution,” stated Minister Idris.
Highlighting the government’s multi-pronged approach to addressing food inflation, Minister Idris explained that the distribution of these grains is just one step in a broader strategy. He reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing additional measures if necessary to alleviate the burden of rising food prices on Nigerians.
“The thinking is that once these grains are made available and they are not enough, the Federal Government will take another measure. We are hoping this (42,000 metric tons grains) will cushion the effect for some time before that one comes up. And if the situation does not appear to improve, the FG will still come up with other measures,” he added.
Additionally, Minister Idris clarified that while 42,000 metric tons of the assorted grains are provided by the government, the remaining 60,000 metric tons are sourced from the rice millers’ association, as part of a separate procurement initiative. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between the two sources to avoid confusion.
As the Federal Government gears up for the distribution of these grains, anticipation mounts among Nigerians, eager for relief from the economic strain caused by food inflation.
