From Rashidat AbdulRahman, Minna
The Niger State Government has declared Wednesday 6th to Friday, 8th September, 2023 as public holidays for distribution of palliatives to the 274 wards of the state to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State disclosed this in a maiden press briefing held at Government House, Minna on Friday.
The Governor explained that each ward in Chanchaga, Suleja, Kontagora and Bida will receive N20 million, while N10 million would be given to each ward of the remaining 21 local government areas, adding that N1 billion will come as grains and other logistics which amounts to over N5 billion to be spent.
“We have received N2 billion, while we are also expecting another N2 billion from the federal government”
“This money should be used in purchasing food items of each local government’s choice”.
“Reasons for allowing each local government to purchase what they want is to patronize our local marketers in the state. I want everybody to ensure this disbursement gets to the grassroots accordingly if found wanting in any form of diversion is jail.”
He said that the money given by the federal government to cushion the hardship being faced by the people is a loan, and 42 percent will be paid by the federal government, while 58 percent will be paid by local and state governments within 20 months.
Gov Bago added that 200 buses for free transportation will be made available to all students in the state, explaining that 100 of the number will ply Suleja-Abuja road, 50 will be used in Minna, while the other 50 will ply other local government areas in the state respectively.
The Governor further explained that the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has been directed to provide 10 thousand hectres of arable land for each local government area in the state before December 2023 to showcase 250,000 hectres of cleared level cultivated land as a pilot scheme.
He stated that the state government will procure mechineries which is intended to employ 500,000 youths in the first pilot scheme, why in the other scheme of the shell nuts, it is expected to engage 400,000 women as pickers and the agricultural sector employing one million youths.
The Voice reports that the standing committee comprises former presidents, former governors, senators and former honourable members, as well as council chairmen both present and former.
Others members are SSG, commissioners, special advisers, head of service, permanent secretaries, directors, NUICT, pensioners and legions.
The rest are NLC, TUC, traditional institution , religious leaders, APC local government EXCOs, people with special needs and other party representatives.
