Kwara State Government has confirmed it had received N2 billon out of the N4 billion fuel subsidy relief funds that the Federal Government released for purchase of rice to be distributed en masse to vulnerable members of the public in the state.
The state also said it awaits a balance of N2bn of the funds as well as N1bn worth of maize (40,000 bags) which the Central Bank of Nigeria is selling to each state from the national strategic reserve.
Explaining the details of the N5bn Federal Government’s relief package earlier reported in the media, the Chief Press secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye said that each state is to receive N4bn to purchase bags of rice in the current market value and distribute same to citizens in the state, with the most vulnerable persons as the first priority.
“Each state is to also receive N1bn worth of maize from the strategic national reserve through the Central Bank of Nigeria. This is not in form of cash; it is maize. As of Friday August 18, 2023, the Kwara State Government has received N2bn of the N4bn. It awaits the balance. The state also awaits the maize from the CBN. It is important to mention that 48% (N1, 920,000,000.00) of the N4bn is a noninterest loan that will be paid back over a period of 20 months at N120, 000,000.00 monthly. This deduction begins in November.
“The state government has consequently ordered immediate purchase of rice in the value of the amount.
The governor however to encourage transparency mandated the kwara State Police commissioner, Ebun Adelesu who will be supported by the Emir Shonga Dr. Haliru Yahya, state chairman of Jama’átu Nasrul Islam and Christian Association Chairman (CAN) chairman (or their representatives), Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe and Mrs Grace Funke Bolaji (both representing CSOs); chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Dr (Mrs) Saudat Abdulbaqi, Mr. Steven Awoyale (youth), a representative of the DSS, a female representative each from the ‘disability’ community and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and Permanent Secretary (General Service) in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Abdulrahman Ameen Babatunde (Secretary).
He noted that further details on the palliatives will be released by the committee.
“Similarly, the state government hereby confirms receipt of the remaining three trucks of the bags of rice. The government had on August 8, 2023 announced delivery of two truckloads of bags of rice, while awaiting three more.
“Distribution of the remaining three truckloads has commenced through various channels of reaching out to the public, including lawmakers who represent the 24 state constituencies and other stakeholders in the state.”
The State Government urged that these palliatives be shared in the spirit of fairness to all, particularly to the most vulnerable persons, because it is simply impractical for everyone to get at the same time.