Tinubu’s Palliative Rice Shipment Delays Spark Anxiety Across States

The Federal Government’s plan to distribute 20 trucks of rice palliative to each of the 36 states has hit a snag, causing widespread anxiety. A survey revealed that only a few states have received their allocations.

In the northern region, Kano is the only state confirmed to have received the rice. In the South-West, only Oyo has acknowledged the arrival of the trucks. In the South-South, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa states confirmed receipt of the palliative, while others, including Delta, Edo, and Cross River, reported no delivery.

The Federal Government had announced the allocation of 740 trucks of rice to mitigate the food crisis, with each state and the FCT expected to receive 20 trucks containing 1,200 bags of 25kg each. The rice is intended for distribution to the most vulnerable citizens.

However, delays and logistical issues have plagued the distribution. In Delta State, the rice had not arrived by Friday, and officials in Edo and Cross River have been unresponsive. Similarly, no rice has reached Katsina, Plateau, and Borno states. In Kaduna, officials have remained silent on the matter.

While Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom have begun distribution, the situation remains dire in many states. Efforts are underway in some regions to set up local committees to oversee distribution, but the overall delay is causing concern.

The Federal Government’s initiative aims to alleviate the hardship faced by citizens, but the delays highlight significant challenges in the distribution process. As states await their consignments, the pressure mounts to ensure timely delivery and equitable distribution to those in need.