Subsidy: Kwara Govt Speaks On FG’s Palliatives, Inaugurates Distribution Committee

• Kwara State received N2 billion from Federal Government’s N4 billion relief fund for rice distribution to vulnerable citizens
• The state is expecting N2 billion funds and N1 billion worth of maize from CBN, while distribution is supervised by a committee

Kwara State Government has confirmed receipt of N2 billion from the N4 billion relief funds released by the Federal Government for the purchase of rice to be distributed to vulnerable public members in the state.

The state also stated that it is awaiting a balance of N2 billion in funds and N1 billion in maize (40,000 bags) from the national strategic reserve, which the Central Bank of Nigeria is selling to each state.

We wish to explain in context the details of the N5bn Federal Government’s relief package earlier reported in the media. Each state is to receive N4bn to purchase bags of rice in the current market value and distribute same to citizens in the state, with the most vulnerable persons as the first priority. This is as agreed at the National Economic Council,” Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye told a news briefing on Friday.

Each state is to also receive N1bn worth of maize from the strategic national reserve through the Central Bank of Nigeria. This is not in form of cash; it is maize. As of Friday August 18, 2023, the Kwara State Government has received N2bn of the N4bn. It awaits the balance. The state also awaits the maize from the CBN. It is important to mention that 48% (N1, 920,000,000.00) of the N4bn is a noninterest loan that will be paid back over a period of 20 months at N120, 000,000.00 monthly. This deduction begins in November.

The state government has consequently ordered immediate purchase of rice in the value of the amount. For transparency and fairness to all, distribution of the palliatives will be overseen exclusively by a committee headed by the Kwara State Police Commissioner Ebun Oluwarotimi Adelesi, who will be supported by the Emir of Shonga Dr. Haliru Yahya, state chairman of Jama’átu Nasrul Islam and Christian Association Chairman (CAN) chairman (or their representatives), Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe and Mrs Grace Funke Bolaji (both representing CSOs); chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Dr (Mrs) Saudat Abdulbaqi, Mr. Steven Awoyale (youth), a representative of the DSS, a female representative each from the ‘disability’ community and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and Permanent Secretary (General Service) in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Abdulrahman Ameen Babatunde (Secretary). Further details on the palliatives will be released by the committee.

Similarly, the state government hereby confirms receipt of the remaining three trucks of the bags of rice. The government had on August 8, 2023 announced delivery of two truckloads of bags of rice, while awaiting three more. Distribution of the remaining three truckloads has commenced through various channels of reaching out to the public, including lawmakers who represent the 24 state constituencies and other stakeholders in the state.

The State Government urged that these palliatives be distributed in the spirit of fairness to all, especially the most vulnerable people because it is simply impractical for everyone to receive them at the same time.