Efforts are underway in at least six states to distribute the Federal Government’s palliative package, which is intended for all 36 states of the federation along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The palliatives, worth N180 billion, were announced as a measure to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The package includes N5 billion and 180 trucks of rice for each state. Notably, states like Kwara, Osun, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, and Gombe have commenced the distribution of the received palliative items….CONTINUE READING

Meanwhile, others like Sokoto, Kebbi, Oyo, Katsina, and Borno have disclosed their strategies for distributing the goods, while some states are still awaiting the delivery of the palliatives.

However, distribution challenges have emerged in certain regions, leading to residents leaving distribution venues in frustration.

Videos circulated on social media showed residents of Agunbelewo in the Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State leaving the distribution site, expressing dissatisfaction with the quantities they received. The concerns included the reportedly meager allocation of rice for certain areas and residents.

A leader from the area, Mallam Yinusa Magaji, stated that Agunbelewo was given six measures of rice from one bag allocated to three areas, indicating their discontent.

He asserted that the government should challenge them if they received more than the six measures provided.

In response, the Kwara State government confirmed receiving two truckloads of rice (1,200 bags) from the Federal Government on August 8. An additional three truckloads (1,800 bags) were reported to have arrived and were set to be distributed by a committee formed for this purpose.

The committee includes representatives from various sectors such as traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, security agencies, and community leaders. Their task involves creating a beneficiary list that encompasses all segments of society, including individuals with disabilities.

The government disclosed receiving N2 billion out of the N5 billion relief fund designated for the mass distribution of rice to vulnerable individuals.

The state also anticipates a balance of N2 billion from the fund, as well as N1 billion worth of maize (40,000 bags) to be purchased from the national strategic reserve through the Central Bank of Nigeria.