The federal government has released 33,576 bags of assorted food items to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as palliatives.

The gesture was aimed at addressing the biting food shortages and bringing relief and succour to Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

During the official flag-off ceremony of the distribution of food items to the residents of the territory, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, acknowledged that the FCT Administration has taken delivery of 23,996 bags of 25 kg rice from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

She also said that an additional consignment of 9,580 bags consisting of 4680 bags of maize, 13,920 bags of sorghum, 960 bags of garri and 1100 bags of millet has been received.

Mahmoud, who commended the gesture of the federal government, however, noted that the gesture would no doubt go a long way to alleviate the burden of food scarcity and high cost of food items on Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable who are worst affected by the situation.

The minister assured that “I have instructed the relevant Secretariat, Departments, and Agencies (SDAs) to put in place the necessary security measures to avert the ugly incidence of the past when miscreants hijack the products.”

She, however, appealed to all residents to conduct themselves in a responsible and orderly manner and cooperate fully with the distribution teams, so that the administration could achieve resounding success.

She further said: “We are also not oblivious of the fact that for any meaningful development to be sustained, due attention must be placed on the welfare of our citizens. 

“To achieve this, we have placed priority on re-invigorating the agricultural sector, which is crucial to achieving our collective quest for food and nutrition security”. 

Mahmoud, therefore, assured that the administration would have commenced the distribution of essential agricultural inputs to farmers, to ensure a successful planting season and abundant food supply.

According to her; “we are proactively engaging with diverse community groups to foster harmonious coexistence and build a united front against security challenges, ensuring a safe and prosperous environment for all.

“Indeed, the FCT Administration remains ever committed to the welfare and well-being of all our residents. 

“We will continue to work assiduously to create a safe, secure, and enabling environment that fosters agricultural investments, ensuring that no resident of the FCT goes hungry.”

In his remarks, the Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Hon. Lawan Kolo Geidam, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and foresight in addressing the rising cost of food staples and making this critical intervention possible.

Geidam revealed that the secretariat has perfected plans with the area council authorities to develop a meticulous distribution plan that would ensure an efficient exercise, making sure that the food items reach the targeted groups.  

The identified groups, according to him, include the six area councils, the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), Faith Based Organisations (JNI & CAN), and 17 Graded Chiefs.

Others include Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), All the widow groups in FCT, All the orphanages in FCT, Groups with Disabilities in FCT, Leprosy colonies, Bwari rehabilitation homes, Wako Orphanage and IDP camps.

He further stated that the secretariat has mobilized over 1,000 vulnerable individuals who would each receive a direct allocation of food items.

Geidam added that the secretariat will follow up the exercise by delivering the items to the area councils, ensuring that the items reach the most vulnerable members of the community.