Removal of Subsidies: NEMA to Distribute Rice and Other Grains to Nigerians - NEC
The National Economic Council (NEC) has ordered the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately distribute grain to the states within one to two weeks to bring down food prices nationwide.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State made the revelation while briefing reporters on the outcome of the NEC meeting, chaired by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.
The governor said Mr. Shettima had ordered NEMA to release the seeds immediately, adding that states would be involved in the mechanism.
Mr. Mohammed, who expressed concern about high food prices, noted that food was a key element of what was considered by the council.
“The National Economic Council (NEC) has considered giving broader interventions to all sectors and segments of society,” he said.
“Food is a key part of what is on the table in terms of food security. On the escalating food prices, we are pleased as NEC has engaged seriously with NEMA, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and indeed with the Ministry of Agriculture.
"We already have a buffer stock with NEMA, so the council has directed that states be immediately allocated substantial portions of foodstuffs, grains, etc. for distribution to bring food prices down.
“These grains will be donated at subsidized rates or at the rates at which they were acquired. The CBN's Anchor Borrowers program and its agricultural program have secured a large stock of rice and other grains. These will be made available within one week for distribution to the states.”
He explained that states are free to distribute the grain at subsidized rates, or for free, or to sell it in ways that drive down food prices and make it affordable for the common man.
"In all sectors of the economy, civil servants and civil servants and even farmers will benefit most. Again, as I said, NEMA has plenty of stocks which they will also bring out so that this particular aspect of food security can cushion the effect of the removal of subsidies on all Nigerians.
"It will be done in a week or two. In terms of the amount of grain that will be distributed, I just learned from the Acting Governor of CBN that they have over 25,200 metric tons of grain and an almost equal number of bags of fertilizer that will be distributed on schedule.
READ ALSO:“When it comes to agriculture, everyone knows they have the buffer stock program where they have silos and they are all stocked with grain. They didn't give the quantity and I don't want to be presumptuous. The same with NEMA because all of their stores are there,” he said.
The governor revealed that NEC has established a strong agreement that states and local governments will be involved in grain distribution. He also said that NEMA will work with the corresponding state and local government institutions so that the grain can be distributed easily.
He said the council had recognized the need for transparency in grain distribution, ensuring that all members of society would be involved in the exercise.
“Civil society organizations (CSOs), community organizations and everyone else will be involved because states are involved and of course ultimately you will see that these things will hit the mark,” he noted.
The National Economic Council (NEC) has ordered the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately distribute grain to the states within one to two weeks to bring down food prices nationwide.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State made the revelation while briefing reporters on the outcome of the NEC meeting, chaired by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.
The governor said Mr. Shettima had ordered NEMA to release the seeds immediately, adding that states would be involved in the mechanism.
Mr. Mohammed, who expressed concern about high food prices, noted that food was a key element of what was considered by the council.
“The National Economic Council (NEC) has considered giving broader interventions to all sectors and segments of society,” he said.
“Food is a key part of what is on the table in terms of food security. On the escalating food prices, we are pleased as NEC has engaged seriously with NEMA, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and indeed with the Ministry of Agriculture.
"We already have a buffer stock with NEMA, so the council has directed that states be immediately allocated substantial portions of foodstuffs, grains, etc. for distribution to bring food prices down.
“These grains will be donated at subsidized rates or at the rates at which they were acquired. The CBN's Anchor Borrowers program and its agricultural program have secured a large stock of rice and other grains. These will be made available within one week for distribution to the states.”
He explained that states are free to distribute the grain at subsidized rates, or for free, or to sell it in ways that drive down food prices and make it affordable for the common man.
"In all sectors of the economy, civil servants and civil servants and even farmers will benefit most. Again, as I said, NEMA has plenty of stocks which they will also bring out so that this particular aspect of food security can cushion the effect of the removal of subsidies on all Nigerians.
"It will be done in a week or two. In terms of the amount of grain that will be distributed, I just learned from the Acting Governor of CBN that they have over 25,200 metric tons of grain and an almost equal number of bags of fertilizer that will be distributed on schedule.
READ ALSO:“When it comes to agriculture, everyone knows they have the buffer stock program where they have silos and they are all stocked with grain. They didn't give the quantity and I don't want to be presumptuous. The same with NEMA because all of their stores are there,” he said.
The governor revealed that NEC has established a strong agreement that states and local governments will be involved in grain distribution. He also said that NEMA will work with the corresponding state and local government institutions so that the grain can be distributed easily.
He said the council had recognized the need for transparency in grain distribution, ensuring that all members of society would be involved in the exercise.
“Civil society organizations (CSOs), community organizations and everyone else will be involved because states are involved and of course ultimately you will see that these things will hit the mark,” he noted.
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