Kwara govt receives N2 billion from FG, sets up non-partisan committee for relief disbursement

Kwara State governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, said that the state government has received ₦2 billion out of the ₦4 billion in relief funds disbursed by the Federal Government to all the states.

These funds are designated for the acquisition of rice to be distributed widely among vulnerable segments of the population, aimed at alleviating the impacts of the fuel subsidy removal.

Abdulrazaq said in a statement on Friday that his government is still awaiting ₦2 billion of the funds, as well as ₦1 billion worth of maize (40,000 bags) that the Central Bank of Nigeria is selling to each state from the national strategic reserve.

He noted that 48% (₦1,920,000,000.00) of the ₦4bn is a non-interest loan that will be paid back over a period of 20 months at ₦120,000,000.00 monthly and added that he has ordered the immediate purchase of rice in the amount.

The governor disclosed that the distribution of the palliatives would be overseen solely by a committee under the direction of the Kwara State Police Commissioner, Ebun Oluwarotimi Adelesi, who would have the support of the Emir of Shonga, Haliru Yahya, as well as other significant stakeholders in the state.

“We also confirm receipt of the remaining three trucks of the bags of rice donated to our state by the Federal Government,” Abdulrazaq said.

“The distribution has commenced through various channels of reaching out to the public, including lawmakers who represent the 24 state constituencies and other stakeholders in the state.”

He, however, urged those who have been saddled with the responsibility of distributing these palliatives to do so in the spirit of fairness to all, particularly to the most vulnerable, because it is simply impractical for everyone to get them at the same time.

Abdulrazaq also appeals to members of the public to remain patient and calm as multi-layered steps are being taken in phases, including huge interventions to support massive food production, local production of gas-powered vehicles, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, manufacturing, and other businesses, to boost the economy and ease the difficulties arising from the removal of fuel subsidies.

“I commend His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the several initiatives of the Federal Government to bring ease to the people. I reassure all Kwarans of our commitments to their welfare at this time and always.”

(CPS, Kwara Government House)