Food Scarcity: President Tinubu Doles Out N30bn Each To Gov's To Cushion Effects

 ..As Sen President, Akpabio Calls For Money Utilized on Food

Following the cry out and planned protests by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC due to the hunger and hardship in the nation, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has reacted with measure to help alleviate the sufferings, Infonews.com.ng reports.

This measure was revealed by Nigeria’s Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio in a report widely making rounds.

The Senate President disclosed that each state Governor has been allocated an extra N30 billion to address the challenges of food scarcity and hardships confronting Nigerians.

Akpabio said each state should properly utilize the money towards ensuring the availability of food.

The former Akwa Ibom governor made this known while Speaking on the floor of the senate

“I must say that unverified report has it that each of the state government in the last few months received additional N30 billion from Federal Inland Revenue Service, outside their normal allocation from the federation account to assist them in ameliorating the food situation.

We believe that every state government should utilize the funds so received towards ensuring that food is available.”

The current economic hardship has led to a hike in the prices of foodstuffs across the country.

The shortage of foodstuffs was also linked to the hoarding by some people and illegal smuggling to neighbouring countries.

Recall that Vice President Kashim Shettima had disclosed how security operatives discovered 32 illegal routes being used to smuggle foodstuffs and other items to neighbouring countries from Nigeria.

Shettima said security agents intercepted 45 trucks smuggling maize to neighbouring countries.

He noted that the price of “maize” came down by N10,000. The price of maize allegedly came down from N60,000 to N50,000″ when the trucks were intercepted.