Nationwide Confusion: Distribution of 740 Truckloads of Rice Palliative Raises Questions

• Lagos State: Officials report no new rice consignments expected since March.
• Taraba, Delta, Niger, Plateau, Zamfara, Abia: No rice palliatives received as of July.
• Kano, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa: Confirm receipt of rice palliatives.
• Cross-River Monarch: Complains that received rations are far below expectations.

By Olasunkanmi Akoni, Peter Duru, Wole Mosadomi, Demola Akinyemi, Femi Bolaji, Marie-Therese Nanlong, Steve Oko, Bashir Bello, Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo, and Idris Salisu

Amid growing concerns over food insecurity, confusion lingers regarding the Federal Government’s promise to deliver 740 truckloads of rice to Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The palliative measure, intended to alleviate widespread hunger, was to be distributed at a rate of 20 truckloads per state.

However, conflicting reports have emerged from various states. While some state officials claim to have received and distributed the rice, others remain in the dark, awaiting the promised consignments.

In Lagos, a senior government official revealed that the only palliative rice received from the Federal Government arrived in March. “We are not expecting any new deliveries,” the official stated, raising concerns that states which received rice in March may not be included in the July distribution.

In contrast, states like Taraba, Delta, Niger, Plateau, Zamfara, and Abia report that no rice palliatives were delivered in July, leaving residents to wonder if relief will ever come.

Mixed Reactions Across Nigeria

In Benue, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), James Iorpuu, declined to comment on the situation, while officials in Kwara, Katsina, and Kaduna confirmed receiving their rice allocations. Yet, the details of the distribution remain unclear.

The Minister of State for Steel Development, Uba Maigari, emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had provided measures to stem hunger, including the distribution of rice and fertilizers. He urged residents to hold their governors accountable for the distribution of these resources.

In Rivers State, Governor Siminilayi Fubara confirmed receiving 21,650 bags of grains, including garri and corn. Distribution plans are reportedly in place to ensure equitable sharing among the state’s 23 local government areas.

Local Leaders Speak Out

Meanwhile, a traditional ruler in Cross River, Chief Edem Archibong, expressed dissatisfaction with the rations his community received. “The rations were a far cry from what we expected. Some people got three cups of rice, others two, and the garri was of poor quality,” he lamented.

He urged the government to focus on reducing fuel prices and subsidizing food costs, rather than distributing substandard palliatives.

The Federal Government’s Commitment

The Federal Government announced in mid-July that it had allocated 740 trucks of rice to the 36 states and FCT. Each state was expected to receive 20 truckloads of 1,200 bags of 25kg rice, with the goal of distributing the rice to the most vulnerable citizens.

However, the inconsistency in the distribution process and the varying reports from state governments have sparked widespread confusion and concern among Nigerians. As the economic situation worsens, many are questioning whether these palliative measures will be enough to alleviate the hunger and hardship plaguing the nation.

In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has launched several initiatives to address food insecurity, including the EKOCARES social protection initiative and Sunday Discount Markets, where residents can purchase basic food items at a 25% discount. Despite these efforts, the need for more substantial and consistent support remains critical.