The Federal Government has mandated each state to buy 100,000 bags of rice, beans and other food items for citizens to cushion the drastic effects of the removal of fuel subsidy, the Governor of Borno State, Babangana Zulum, told State House Correspondents on Thursday.
Zulum had earlier noted that the FG approved N5bn for each state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking on the purpose of the funds, Zulum noted that it is for the “procurement of food items.”
He further explained that it was part of measures to “bring temporary solutions to the high cost of living caused by the subsidy removal as government continues to work with more enduring programmes.”
He said, “The states are to purchase 100,000 bags of rice and beans among other items,” while adding that each of the state is also to receive five trucks of rice.
He also said the National Economic Council agreed that the frontier states bordering Niger Republic are to be assisted with more palliatives than other states, considering the influx of refugees into their domains from the beleaguered neighbouring country.