Nationwide Unease as Tinubu’s Rice Palliative Fails to Reach Most States

Anxiety has gripped many states as the Federal Government’s promised delivery of 740 trucks of rice palliative has largely failed to materialize. Only a few states report receiving the 20 trucks allocated to each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

A weekend survey revealed that apart from Kano, no northern state has received the rice. In the South-West, only Oyo State confirmed the arrival of the trucks. In the South-South region, Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa states reported receiving their consignments, while other states in the region have not. Delta State officials confirmed that no rice had arrived as of Friday noon. Edo and Cross River state officials did not respond to inquiries.

Last Monday, the Federal Government announced the allocation of 740 trucks of rice to all states and the FCT, with each state slated to receive 20 trucks, each carrying 1,200 bags of 25kg rice. This distribution is intended to aid the most vulnerable in society. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this at a Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu. Idris, alongside Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga, stated that the Minister of Agriculture was tasked with ensuring food availability to mitigate nationwide hardship.

In Delta State, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the state had not received its share of the palliative. Conversely, Bayelsa’s Information Commissioner, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, affirmed the rice’s arrival and said distribution would be equitable. Akwa Ibom’s Information Commissioner, Ini Ememobong, stated the state received 24,000 bags and added another 24,000 to aid more families. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara established a Local Organizing Committee to oversee distribution to vulnerable residents.

However, in states like Katsina, Plateau, Borno, and Yobe, officials confirmed the rice had yet to arrive. Borno’s SEMA Director-General, Mohammed Barkindo, and North East NEMA Coordinator, Alhaji Sirajo Garba Maidugu, noted no correspondence regarding the delivery. Katsina SEMA PRO Bello Mamman and Plateau Information Commissioner Musa Ashoms also reported no deliveries.

In Kaduna, officials, including the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, were unresponsive to inquiries about the rice delivery status. Meanwhile, Oyo State has begun distributing its received consignment, with Governor Seyi Makinde ensuring equitable access across urban and rural areas.

Ondo State’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed no rice had been received. Osun’s Commissioner for Information, Kolawole Alimi, echoed this, emphasizing the need for more substantial measures to address inflation and hunger. Ogun State is also awaiting its consignment, with Special Adviser Hon. Kayode Akinmade assuring fair distribution once received. Similarly, Ekiti State’s Commissioner for Information, Mr. Taiwo Olatunbosun, reported no delivery confirmation.

In Kwara, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security indicated no rice had arrived. Sokoto and Zamfara state officials also confirmed they had not received their allocations. Zamfara’s DG Media and Communication, Malam Nuhu Salisu Anka, confirmed the state’s pending allocation. Kebbi State Chief Press Secretary Alhaji Ahmed Idris said the state awaited its consignment to distribute to beneficiaries. Benue State’s SEMA Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, noted that while the state received palliatives from NEMA and the Northern Governors’ Forum, the Federal Government’s rice allocation had not arrived.

Niger State’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor also reported no receipt of the rice, promising updates when more information became available.