Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu has authorized the purchase and distribution of foodstuffs worth ₦155 billion across Nigeria.
The approval was given during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja, where Tinubu urged state governors to collaborate in addressing citizens’ needs. According to presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu expressed his commitment to providing the necessary support to alleviate Nigerians’ hardships.
“President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate rollout of the National Construction and Household Support Programme to cover all geo-political zones in the country,” the statement read. “This includes deploying ₦155 billion for the purchase and distribution of assorted foodstuffs nationwide.”
Additionally, Tinubu approved the delivery of a ₦50,000 uplift grant to 100,000 families per state for three months. Emphasizing the urgency of boosting food production, Tinubu highlighted the importance of the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, noting that states within this axis form the nation’s food belt, with Badagry being a key artery for food export.
“Our states must work together to implement critical reforms to meet our people’s needs. Time is humanity’s most precious asset, and it is getting late,” Tinubu said. “We are ready to support you with the mechanization of agricultural processes and the provision of high-quality seedlings.
“We are prepared to provide solar-powered irrigation facilities to support our farmers across seasons, but we must now produce. We must produce the food our people eat, and it will require coordination and intentionality between NEC members.
“There is nothing more important than producing high-quality food for our people to consume, buy, and sell. We create jobs through production and generate wealth by exporting the excess. Achieving this for Nigerians is within our reach.
“How much support do you need from me, and in what form? I am prepared to provide it. But we must achieve the result. We must deliver on our targets at all levels. Please report back after your consultations and submit to my office within seven days,” Tinubu concluded.
