The FCT Administration has commenced the distribution of assorted food items to vulnerable residents of the territory, aimed at easing the hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, who flagged off the distributions of over 17,222 bags of rice, 8,400 bags of maize on behalf of the Administration, assured that every deserving family in the six area councils and 17 chiefdoms of FCT would receive the items.
Mahmoud also assured that apart from the food items, which would be released in stages, government was actively exploring other avenues to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.
“There is no doubt that the policy has had ripple effects on transportation, inflation and an overall burden on the citizenry.
Troops arrest 3 prison escapees, suspected kidnappers in Plateau, Kaduna
“It is in realization of these challenges that the federal government has been taking several measures to bring succor to Nigerians amongst which is the release of assorted food items from the National Strategic Reserve for urgent distribution to Nigerians.
“We will ensure that every deserving family in the FCT receives these items free of charge,” she stressed.
On his part, the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, noted that the Administration, through relevant arms, had put in place measures to monitor the distribution the food items to get to the targeted beneficiaries in all the area councils.
The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Director Operations, Planning and Strategy, Mr. Samuel Attang, also noted that the distribution was part of series of efforts being put in place by government to address the economic challenges and create an environment of stability and prosperity for all.
In his address, the Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Kolo Geidam, said the secretariat would take the distributions of the palliative very seriously by ensuring that the palliatives reach all those who are intended to benefit from them.