Kwara gov sets committee to distribute FG’s palliative, states livestock farmers consideration

Amid the increasing price of maize, a major component of livestock feed, Governor AbdurRahman AbdulrRasaq of Kwara state has charged the distribution committee to consider poultry and fish farmers, stating that maize palliative should be given.

The committee, consisting of government and non-government bodies, will be spearheaded by the state’s commissioner of police, Ebun O. Adelesi; the Emir of Shonga, Haliru Yahya; Kwara NASFAT and CAN representatives; chief security officers; and others for the sake of transparency and equity for all Kwara residents.

Regarding the N5 billion palliative approved for states, the Kwara state government narrated that the federal government has highlighted the way to spend the relief fund, stating that N4 billion should be used for rice purchases at local prices while the remaining N1 billion will be spent on maize.

It added that the maize will be purchased from the strategic national reserve through the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Each state is to also receive N1 billion worth of maize from the strategic national reserve through the Central Bank of Nigeria. This is not in the form of cash; it is maize. As of 2023, the Kwara State Government had received N2 billion of the N4 billion. It awaits the balance,” Rafiu Ajakaye, the spokesperson for the governor told the pressmen.

“The state also awaits the maize from the CBN. It is important to mention that 48% (N1,920,000,000.00) of the N4bn is a noninterest loan that will be paid back over a period of 20 months at N120, 000,000.00 monthly. This deduction begins in November,” he added.

In a similar vein, Mr Ajakaye revealed that the state government has confirmed the receipt of the remaining three trucks of bags of rice (making a total of five trucks) from the federal government.

“The government 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 subsidy,” he said.