FG Approves N5 Billion Grant, Food Aid to States Amid Fuel Subsidy Removal

In a bid to alleviate the repercussions of the recent fuel subsidy removal and the ensuing rise in living costs, the National Economic Council (NEC) has sanctioned a series of measures aimed at providing relief to the citizens of Nigeria.

During a recent NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, several critical decisions were reached to address the pressing challenges faced by the populace.

Foremost among these measures is the approval of a substantial grant. The Federal Government has given the nod for a N5 billion grant to be extended to each of the 36 states in the federation.

This significant financial injection is earmarked for the procurement of essential grains, while each state will also receive five trucks laden with rice, aimed at alleviating the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on the cost of living.

Moreover, the Council has also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to take proactive steps in providing food assistance to the states that share a border with Niger Republic.

This directive comes in response to the political instability experienced by Niger in recent times, and it underscores Nigeria’s commitment to assisting its neighbours during challenging times.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, speaking to State House correspondents after the NEC meeting, elaborated on these measures. He clarified that the allocation of N5 billion and trucks carrying rice and grains was designed to serve as a temporary buffer against the inflationary pressure brought about by the subsidy removal.

Governor Zulum noted that the states, under this arrangement, are set to acquire a considerable quantity of rice and beans along with other essential items.

In tandem with these measures, NEC has also mandated NEMA to oversee the distribution of food supplies to the states sharing borders with Niger Republic. This move acknowledges the influx of refugees from Niger into Nigeria and seeks to address the ensuing challenges in the distribution of palliatives.

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State provided insight into ongoing efforts to address these challenges, mentioning that a review of the social register—a compilation of vulnerable individuals and families—is currently underway. The urgency of the situation is highlighted by the influx of refugees from Niger Republic, which has further strained the distribution of essential aid.

However, it’s worth noting that while the NEC has sanctioned the disbursement of N5 billion grants, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State clarified that, to date, only N2 billion has been provided to the states instead of the initially approved amount.

As Nigeria navigates these critical junctures, the focus remains steadfast on mitigating the adverse effects of subsidy removal on the lives of its citizens. The collaborative efforts between the Federal Government, states, and relevant agencies underscore the commitment to fostering stability and resilience in the face of challenging circumstances. Further updates on the implementation of these measures are anticipated in due course.