A widespread sense of anxiety and frustration is spreading across Nigeria as the promised 740 trucks of rice, intended as palliative measures by the Federal Government, have failed to arrive in most states.
The initiative, announced by President Bola Tinubu, aimed to provide 20 trucks of rice to each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to alleviate the hardships faced by the most vulnerable populations. However, only a few states have reported receiving their allocations, leading to mounting concerns.
A survey conducted over the weekend revealed that, apart from Kano in the North, no other northern state had received the rice shipments. In the South-West, only Oyo State confirmed the arrival of the rice. In the South-South region, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States reported receiving their consignments, while Delta, Edo, and Cross River States indicated they had not yet received theirs.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had previously disclosed the allocation of 740 trucks of rice, each truck carrying 1,200 bags of 25 kg, during a Federal Executive Council meeting. This measure was part of a broader strategy to mitigate food insecurity and economic hardship across the nation. Idris stated, “The President directed the Minister of Agriculture to ensure that food is made available to Nigerians.”
Despite these assurances, many states remain in the dark about the status of their allocations. Delta State’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the state’s failure to receive the rice. Similarly, Katsina State’s Public Relations Officer of SEMA, Bello Mamman, and officials from Plateau, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Ondo, and Ekiti States reported that they had not received any rice trucks.
In contrast, Bayelsa’s Information Commissioner, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, affirmed the arrival of 20 truckloads of rice in the state. Akwa Ibom’s Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, also confirmed the receipt of 24,000 bags of rice, noting additional contributions by the state government to bolster the distribution efforts.
In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara established a Local Organizing Committee to oversee the distribution of the rice to the most vulnerable populations. Oyo State has already commenced distribution, with Governor Makinde ensuring equitable access across urban and rural areas.
Other states like Ogun, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Benue have acknowledged delays or a lack of communication regarding their rice allocations. Officials in these regions have expressed hope for prompt delivery and fair distribution once the shipments arrive.
