Amidst the removal of fuel subsidy, the Federal Government has instructed each state to procure 100,000 bags of rice, beans, and other essential food items to alleviate the substantial impact on citizens.
Governor Babangana Zulum of Borno State conveyed this information to State House Correspondents on Thursday.
Previously, Zulum had disclosed that the Federal Government sanctioned a sum of N5 billion for every state in the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking on the purpose of the funds, Zulum noted that it is for the “procurement of food items.”
He further explained that it was part of measures to “bring temporary solutions to the high cost of living caused by the subsidy removal as government continues to work with more enduring programmes.”
He said, “The states are to purchase 100,000 bags of rice and beans among other items,” while adding that each of the state is also to receive five trucks of rice.
He also said the National Economic Council agreed that the frontier states bordering Niger Republic are to be assisted with more palliatives than other states, considering the influx of refugees into their domains from the beleaguered neighbouring country.