Economic hardship: FG begins distribution of 42,000 MT of food items to vulnerable Nigerians

The federal government has commenced the distribution of 42,000 metric tons of food items to vulnerable citizens as part of measures to cushion the economic hardship in the country.

Speaking at the flag-off of the distribution of the items in Borno state on Sunday, Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, said President Bola Tinubu is worried about the rising food prices.

The minister asked citizens to continue to be patient with the president as he works to fix the country’s economy.

“The government calls for continued patience and understanding from Nigerians as we push through these difficult times into a season of abundant benefits and truly renewed hope,” he said.

“As the president never fails to emphasize, these headwinds we face are only temporary, and we will surely overcome them.”

The minister said the reduction of petrol importation to 50 percent monthly, stabilised foreign exchange, and the recent launch of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) are early wins for the country.

“I urge you to continue supporting the Tinubu administration as it implements policies to overhaul the nation’s economy,” Idris said.

On his part, Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture and food security, said the president is determined to cushion the effect of the rising cost of food commodities by ensuring a sustained buffer stock.

“I want to encourage all the state governments to begin activating the buffer stock in their various states so that in cases of emergency and future food interventions like this, they will have stocks that complement the federal government’s efforts,” he said.

“It is worthy of note that the 42,000MT of assorted food commodities, comprised of maize (23,600MT), sorghum (12,860 M), millet (3,700MT), and Garri (1,840MT), are to be distributed to vulnerable Nigerians.”