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FG to release of 58,500 metric tonnes of rice for market stabilisation
FG to release of 58,500 metric tonnes of rice for market stabilisation
The federal government is planning the release of around 58,500 metric tonnes of milled rice to the market as a measure to stabilise the market.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari in a message to Nigerians over the prevailing hardship in the country.
According to the Minister, the Ministry is in partnership with NEMA and the DSS to ensure the earlier approved 42,000 metric tons of grains is distributed fairly across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
He disclosed that the distribution will begin this week and promised to ensure those in need get it.
- He stated, “We shall commence the distribution of 42,000 metric tons of grains, as approved by Mr. President, across the 36 states of the federation as one of the programs to be rolled-out this week.
- “We are working hand in hand with NEMA and the DSS to ensure that the grains get to the right people in the right packages and quantities. Furthermore, 58,500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilization”
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Backstory
In the past few weeks, there have been reports of protests over hardship and incidences of members of the public breaking into both private and public warehouses as well as attacking food trucks. This is occasioned by the spike in inflation at 29.90% with food inflation at 35.41% as of February 2024.
- President Bola Tinubu through the Ministry of agriculture had earlier promised as a measure to increase supply of grains in the market and stabilise prices release 42,000 metric tonnes of grains across the 36 states of the country.
- The price of grains especially rice have increased significantly since the beginning of the year necessitating major off takers like Olam and Flour Mills to stop purchase. According to a survey by Nairametrics, the price of a bag of rice in touched N88,000- a 22% increase when compared with a similar survey earlier in the month.
- Around last year, there were projections detailing the increase in the price of grains especially rice in 2024 mainly due to climatic factors like the El Nino winds, insecurity especially in Nigeria, geopolitical conflicts in Europe etc. A study by AFEX exchange stated that the price of rice will surge by 32% in 2024 and the reality is already being witnessed.
FG to release of 58,500 metric tonnes of rice for market stabilisation
News
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
President Bola Tinubu will travel to France today (Wednesday) for a three-day state visit at the instance of the French president.
A statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this.
It said, “The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.”
Onanuga said Tinubu and Macron would harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication,” he added.
“They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.”
The presidential adviser stated that the Nigerian first lady and her French counterpart would discuss solutions for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope initiative.
News
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
A former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honour another invitation extended to him over alleged misappropriation of funds.
Bello went to the anti-graft office with his lawyers in the morning.
The ex-Kogi governor reportedly drove himself to the EFCC’s office in a black Toyota Hilux van with some lawyers.
He was said to have been taken by some operatives of the agency and are currently being grilled.
This is coming after the Supreme Court judgment which dismissed a suit brought by some state governments challenging the constitutionality of the agency.
The EFCC at the last hearing on November 14, sought the adjournment till November 27 in the fresh case it instituted against Bello.
It stated that the 30-day window was still running for the summons earlier issued.
News
Just in: Ebonyi governor suspends two commissioners, Perm Sec for misconduct
Just in: Ebonyi governor suspends two commissioners, Perm Sec for misconduct
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has announced the immediate suspension of two commissioners with a permanent secretary among others for gross misconduct.
Those suspended are the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development Francis Ori, and the Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.
The suspension followed an incident on Saturday night, when the governor reportedly visited the Ministry of Health’s premises and was said to have found six officials diverting government materials.
Others suspended for three months are the Executive Secretaries of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency
The suspension order was announced by the state Commissioner for Information, Jude Okpor, who cited alleged misconduct and dereliction of duties as the reasons for the disciplinary actions.
Okpor made the disclosure on Tuesday during a press briefing on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday at the New Government House in Abakaliki, the state capital.
“Following cases of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties by some government officials and matters related thereto, the Chairman of Council directed the indefinite suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and three months suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, respectively
“In view of the development, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health was directed to take charge of the ministry in the absence of the suspended commissioner.
Governor Nwifuru directed the suspended government officials to hand over all government properties in their possession including vehicles to the Secretary to the State Government.
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