Katsina state government debunks rumour of N5bn palliatives 

The government of Katsina state has debunked a circulating rumour of a N5 billion receipt as palliatives from the federal government of Nigeria.

However, the government confirmed the receipt of N2 billion meant specifically for grain (rice) purchases from the central government.

Refuting the rumour, the state minister of information, Hon. Salisu Zango explained that the government has used the received funds for what they were meant for, as directed.

He maintained that 40,000 bags of rice are on ground ready to be distributed to each polling unit in the state.

It would also be recalled that the government, through the local government authority, distributed free maize to citizens shortly after fuel subsidy removal.

“The grains for LGAs have been procured and distributed across all polling units in the state,” Hon. Zango stated.

Furthermore, he called on citizens of Katsina state to remain calm and law-abiding as they await the upcoming federal palliatives.

He stated that the delay in the federal palliatives was due to the governors’ request to covert the palliatives into funds that would be paid directly into the respective accounts of each state instead of the proposed food items, citing the boost of local economy, ease of distribution process and other logistics.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria directed the Central Bank to release the funds to States as a soft loan which the Federal Government will repay 52% and States 48% for 12 months,” the report added.