One week after the Federal Government's announcement of distributing 740 truckloads of grains to the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), only five states have confirmed receipt of their consignments.
The states that have received their rice include Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Kwara, and Rivers. However, 21 other states, including Taraba, Yobe, Adamawa, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Katsina, Enugu, Abia, Ekiti, Lagos, Cross River, Edo, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Kano, Jigawa, Plateau, Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna, and Zamfara, are still awaiting their share.
Last week, the Federal Government revealed a nationwide rice distribution effort aimed at addressing food insecurity. Each state and the FCT were scheduled to receive 20 trucks, with each truck carrying about 1,200 25kg bags of rice, totaling approximately 24,000 bags per state.
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris had stated that the distribution was part of the government’s strategy to alleviate food shortages and urged state governors to ensure the rice reaches the most vulnerable populations.
**States Confirm Receipt of Rice**
- **Anambra:** Received 20 trucks of rice. Chief Paul Odenigbo of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed receipt and noted that distribution plans are pending government directives.
- **Kwara:** Confirmed receipt of its share of the rice.
- **Rivers:** Received 21,650 bags of grains, including 3,680 bags of garri and 17,970 bags of corn, according to Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Secretary to the Rivers State Government.
- **Akwa Ibom:** Received 24,000 bags of 25kg rice. The state government is working on distribution plans to target vulnerable groups.
**Labour Calls for Dialogue**
Amidst the growing frustration over economic challenges, the organized labour has urged President Bola Tinubu to engage with protest leaders. NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero emphasized the need for urgent government intervention in light of widespread poverty and hunger, as reported by recent assessments from the National Bureau of Statistics and the International Rescue Committee.
Ajaero criticized dismissive attitudes towards the protests, stressing that the right to protest is fundamental, especially given the recent economic hardships exacerbated by increases in fuel prices and utility costs.
**Yobe State's Stance**
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni announced that Yobe would not participate in protests but would support President Tinubu's administration. He highlighted the state's agricultural potential as a means to address employment and economic challenges.
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