The Katsina State Government, in partnership with the 34 local governments, has allocated over N10bn for the purchase of grains for distribution to vulnerable residents during Ramadan.
The Muslims’30-day Ramadan fast begins today (Monday), according to the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
Governor Dikko Radda’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, disclosed the government’s plan to purchase N10bn worth of grains in a statement on Sunday.
According to the statement, the governor has inaugurated committees, at both state and local government levels, to oversee the distribution of the foodstuffs.
At the moment in the country, Nigerians are grappling with high costs of foodstuffs over the all-time high inflation.
The Katsina governor said the state aimed to feed about 72,200 people each day of Ramadan, which, he said, translated to providing food assistance to approximately 2.1 million residents throughout the period.
Besides, the governor said the state would subsidise the prices of maize, millet, and guinea corn to N20,000 per bag.
He said to ensure even distribution, the subsidised grains would be sold at 10 measures per buyer.
He said 33,000 elderly and vulnerable families selected from across the state would “receive free of charge, food items along with some cash donations.”
According to the statement, the governor emphasised the importance of accountability in the distribution process, directing local government committees to remit proceeds from grain sales to the state committee for deposit into government accounts.
Credit: Punch
