The federal government on Monday claimed that it has procured and distributed 58,500 metric tonnes of milled rice nationwide to mitigate escalating food prices in the country, according to NAN.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during his presentation at the ministerial sectoral update commemorating President Bola Tinubu’s first anniversary in Abuja.
While claiming that the government supported 107,429 wheat farmers with inputs, which yielded an estimated value of N309 billion into the economy, Kyari also contended that, in response to a presidential directive, the ministry released 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities from the federal government strategic food reserve to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for distribution.
However, reacting to this announcement, Nigerians have tagged it “Audio Doings”, questioning who exactly these grains went to.
One X user said, “Since the FG has been distributing rice, neither I, my friends, nor any of my family members have ever benefited. Maybe we’re not Nigerians? Or maybe the FG is just a big, lying entity.”
Another questioned, “Distribute to Who exactly???”
Another said, “Another gbedu,” as one called the claims “Ijoba lamba.”
“Who are the people receiving this rice? Nobody seems to have shown any sign of appreciation for receiving anything from the government. Is this another audio food subsidy, or is it in the pockets of politicians who will use it for birthday gifts?” one said.
Meanwhile, another posted a poll, of which 95.9 per cent voted that they’ve never received any grain from the government.
While many echoed this sentiment that the government’s claims are audio, many others were also of the opinion that this distribution would not solve the current food price hikes occasioned by the government’s economic policies in the country.
About The Author
