Osinbajo Flags Off N8b Grains Distribution Today

By Dipo Olowookere

Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo will on Thursday, June 08, 2017 (today) launch the quarterly Special Relief Intervention plan costing about N8 billion, depending on current commodity prices.

This move aims to address the food crisis fallouts of the insurgency in the North-East with the provision and distribution of food grains especially for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the region.

It was gathered that about 1.8 million people would be reached regularly and in all, about 40,000 metric tonnes comprising rice, maize, sorghum and soya beans grown locally by Nigerian farmers would be distributed.

Under the distribution model, the Federal Government, which is paying for the grains, will be giving each family about 50kg of grains per month.

One of the highlights of this new distribution plan, according to a statement issued by the Acting President’s spokesman, Mr Laolu Akande, is that it eliminates the undignified practice of long and often problematic queues, replacing it with door-to-door delivery to the IDPs using a pre-issued voucher-system that promotes transparency and accountability.

The new plan is also expected to correct many of the lapses observed in delivering relief to the IDPS.

Mr Akande said the food will be distributed by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in partnership with State Emergency Management Agencies and developmental partners from the International Humanitarian agencies.

Under the plan, the FG buys local grains from Nigerian farmers and the Nigerian Police, Nigerian military including the Air Force, are actively involved providing essential and logistical support.

The grains to be delivered quarterly would be transported mainly by road through 1,032 trucks, while for locations difficult to reach, the Nigeria Air Force will provide air lift support.

While the Federal Government is providing food assistance, it will work with the state governments to provide other forms of assistance including health services, education, resettlement and livelihood support, Mr Akande noted.