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Air Peace airlines has disclosed that when it commences its London route, there would be special student fares which will be affordable for students traveling to study.
Onyema who called on travel agents to manage the special student fares so that it is not abused by passengers, said this fares will make it easy and affordable for students to travel during holidays and school resumption period.
“Several parents have been disconnected from their children. Many students have not been home for over two years because their parents cannot afford return fares to London. Parents will no longer suffer to raise money for fares for their children because the student fares will be affordable for all parents,” he assured.
“My children all schooled abroad and we insist that they return to Nigeria during their school breaks no matter how short. This is to enable us remain connected to our children and ensure they stick to our values and culture. I know this is also the desire of several other parents but this desire has been cut short because of high fares.
“This narrative will changed as soon as Air Peace resumes flights to London,” the chairman assured.
Onyema said the Air Peace London route was borne out of his love for Nigeria and to put an end to high fares from Nigeria to London and back.
“I am not interested in politics. This is not about going to London. It is about giving Nigerians the best option and yielding to the yearnings of Nigerians. I set up Air Peace to create jobs for Nigerians,” he said.
He also promised to make commissions for travel agents unified.
However, Onyema who did not reveal how much fares Air Peace will charge on London route, but assured that the fares will be cheaper than what legacy airlines are charging.
Checks by BusinessDay show that currently, the cheapest economy class return ticket from Nigeria to London cost about N1.6million naira.
Air fares in the last two years has risen by over 400 percent as a result of accumulating trapped funds of foreign airlines in Nigeria caused by the foreign exchange rate.
Last year, Nigeria officially floated its naira currency after years of sticking with a hard peg that spooked investors and drained dollars from the economy.
Recalled that since two years now, airlines blocked low ticket inventories, leaving high inventories to be sold in naira only while the low ticket inventories on most airlines’ websites can only be bought with dollar cards only. This was in a bid to cushion the effect of their trapped funds in Nigeria.
Bankole Bernard, chairman of Airlines and Passengers’ Joint Committee (APJC) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) who also spoke at the event said Air Peace London flight is a welcome idea, especially as Nigeria would now have its own carrier creating balance of trade which is not tilted to one side.
“There will be a bit of balance. Air Peace has been given a daily slot to Gatwick which amounts to seven frequencies, compared to 21 frequencies that the legacy airlines have; 14 in Lagos and seven in Abuja. To an extend, we have something that will balance it up.
“Air Peace is not going to be faced with challenges of foreign exchange because the fares will be in naira. It is a welcome idea for travel agents and Nigeria as a whole. We appeal to Air Peace to try it’s best to sustain the London route. We are willing to give them all the support to ensure this is successful. With Air Peace, travel agents envisage a 50 percent fare reduction,” Bernard said.
Oluwatoyin Olajide, chief operating officer, Air Peace during her speech at the event said the London route means a lot to Air Peace for several reasons and a major one is that it marks its historic entry into the European continent.
Olajide said the service will be operated with the airline’s Boeing 777 aircraft and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, one of the most modern and efficient aircraft in the skies.
She also said the airline will be launching with special promo fares and attractive plans for agents.
“Operating daily, this service will also offer several other benefits which give Air Peace an edge over the competition. It’s a direct flight without stop-overs and offers unbeatable fares. The specifics of these offers and other Unique Selling Points will be presented as this engagement progresses.
“We want you to know that Air Peace’s operational expansion and milestones are driven by our ambition to continually connect cities and ease the burden of air travel while fostering economic prosperity across nations,” she added.
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, Mr Peter Obi, has expressed dissatisfaction at the manner which the Nigeria Police operatives handled the arrest of the party’s National Chairman, Mr Julius Abure, on Wednesday.
Obi in a statement on his X handle platform said that there could have been a better way to handle the arrest of the party chieftain to “show we are … in a democracy”.
He said: “Like many Nigerians, I observed the distasteful national television news reports detailing the humiliating arrest of the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure, in Benin City, Edo.
“Throughout my roles as a private individual, public figure, Governor, and Presidential candidate, I consistently advocated for the paramount importance of upholding the rule of law in any sane society.
“I firmly believe that, as citizens, we are all duty-bound irrespective of our status in society to respond to invitations from properly constituted authority.
“My stance on this matter remains unwavering but does not explain watching the distressing image of our National Chairman lying on the ground in the name of arrest.
“This act is undesirable and unequivocally intolerable and must be condemned by any decent and civilized mind within the context of our present civic landscape in Nigeria.”
He described the manner of the arrest as deplorable, saying such manner of arrest must be not only denounced but also actively addressed to uphold the principles of justice and respect within our society.
“Regarding the circumstances surrounding Mr Abure’s arrest, it is crucial to emphasise that while constitutional authorities must be allowed to execute their statutory functions, officers must adhere to due process and established arrest procedures.
“The officers must embody civility, decorum, respect for the dignity and rights of citizens, and, above all, the presumption of innocence.
“It is crucial to emphasise that as a leader within the Labour Party, Mr Abure represents, both personally and statutorily, as the incumbent Chairman of the LP, the face of political opposition in Nigeria,” Obi said.
NAN reports that Abure and some LP party members who were arrested by the police on Wednesday in Benin City, the Edo capital,have however been released.
Also, after the arrest, Tijani Momoh, Spokesperson for Zone 5 Police Headquarters, Benin City, said Abure was arrested over a petition in a case of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit dangerous harm.
Momoh had on Wednesday, while briefing newsmen, said that the police did not assault the LP national chairman in the process of arresting him.
The police spokesperson said some persons tried to prevent Abure’s arrest, which led to an altercation between them and police operatives.
(NAN)
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that there is no truth in the claim by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that states got additional N30 billion each outside of their statutory revenue allocations, to address the food insecurity.
The governor stated this on Thursday, noting that Oyo did not get any N30 billion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) or the Federal Government.
Makinde, who added that he has been doing everything to cushion the effect of the economic hardship on the people, warned that leaders should instill confidence and hope in the citizenry in this trying time rather than playing blame game.
He stated this in Iseyin, where he commissioned the newly-renovated multi-billion Naira Iseyin Central Mosque facilitated by legal icon, Ahmed Raji, SAN.
The governor added that apart from Oyo not getting N30 billion from any agency or department of the Federal Government, he could say the same for his colleague-governors as vice chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).
Makinde accused Akpabio of relying on unverified reports, clarifying that it was impossible for states to get funds from the FIRS, since all revenues go into the Federation Account and belongs to the Federal Government, states and the local governments.
He said: “This is a very difficult period in our nation’s history because all of us are aware of what we are going through economically. But for us as an administration, I can say we are the first in Nigeria to announce and implement measures on the 9th of June 2023, to cushion the effect of this policy through SAfER.”
“We have been doing our bit. And the reason I came here is for us to talk to ourselves and intensify prayers. So, this is one of the edifices through which we can reach God, though we have done our bit. We have health insurance for our own people, we gave farm inputs to our farmers but, at this stage, we need to cry to God.
“For the workers, we have been paying a wage award; N25,000 for workers and N15,000 for pensioners, and we have paid for close to six months. Only last week, I announced an extension for another six months so that we can have the time to conclude the discussion on minimum wage. Well, we know there is much to be done and we will continue to do everything within our power to support our people through this hard time.
“This is not the time to play politics, as we have real issues that deserve real solutions. But yesterday, I saw the video and read in the news where the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, made a statement, though he said it was unverified report, stating that the state governments received additional N30 billion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, outside of our statutory allocation, in the last few months, to address food security.
“Please, listen to me loud and clear. I can speak for Oyo State and can also speak for any of my colleagues. This is because, as the Vice Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, I know when things are happening.
“If I want to play politics, I will keep quiet and let this slide, but I am not going to let this slide. FIRS cannot give money to any state. It is not possible. All revenues accruing to the country goes into the federation account and it is distributed to all tiers of government. The FG does not give states money. The money in the federation belongs to all of us; it does not only belong to the Federal Government.
“So, if the Senate President, who is the number three citizen in this country, could be quoting an unverified report, people are looking at us as leaders. This is the period that we are supposed to give confidence to our people. It is not the period to start playing politics or to start looking for scapegoats.
“We need to engage with our people. If our policies are not working, we need to listen to the people and amend. So, if the Number Three Citizen had nothing but unverified report, why did he need to say it? Does his statement give confidence to the people or solve the problem of hunger and anger in the land? Let me say it clearly: as for Oyo State and for most of my colleagues, there is nothing like N30 billion being given to states for food security and I stand to be challenged.
“Yes, the Federal Government promised the states N5 billion and out of that, it only gave N2 billion and they are even asking that the N2 billion should be refunded right now. It is the responsibility of the Federal Government to manage the fiscal situation in Nigeria and manage the inflationary trend we have in the country right now.
“We have been transparent about everything we are doing here and this is the time for us to stay together as a nation to solve the problems we are facing. It is not the time to engage in blame games and propaganda. Hunger and anger are real and, as leaders, we must address them.”
[DailyTrust]
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Directs Expeditious Processing Of Welfare Benefits, Demands Monthly KPI Reports
AdminPresident Bola Tinubu has asked senior civil servants to rededicate themselves to their duties and work towards improving the lives of Nigerians by acting with dispatch on matters that border on the welfare of citizens.
The President, who met with the Head of Service, The Body Of Permanent Secretaries, and some Directors-General of agencies at the State House, on Thursday, said policies impacting the welfare of the people and the economy must be treated with urgency, diligence, and a strong sense of duty.
President Tinubu warned that the ineffectiveness and unnecessary bureaucracy that result in the delay of interventions on the economy and with programmes targeting vulnerable citizens will not be tolerated.
He directed that a monthly briefing by The Head Of Service and submission of key performance indicator (KPI) reports should be made to his office for review, and that quarterly interactive meetings between the President and The Body of Permanent Secretaries will now be scheduled. The Head Of Service and The Body Of Permanent Secretaries have been mandated by the President to consistently measure progress in actualizing the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.
“Before the next meeting, I want to see progress in the civil service. I have been sending people to check the level of work that gets done. Service to the nation is extremely important. We are to change the narrative on Nigeria.
“You and I can change the perception about Africa, not just Nigeria. We might not get it 100 percent right, but if we are focused, I think we can totally change and reshape the trajectory of our country in the right direction,’’ he said.
President Tinubu asked public servants to always think and work with a generational understanding of their role in shaping national history, knowing that they serve as the engine room of the government and that their actions will affect more than 200 million people in the country and abroad.
“Let us make our children’s dreams come true. Why are we slowing that down?
“It is not just shameful. It is unacceptable. We made a pledge to bring our people out of poverty. You should not increase their vulnerability. Help Nigerians to get out of these problems, do not compound the tough situation with unacceptable delays,’’ the President said.
Before President Tinubu's address, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan briefed him on the performance of the service in relation to previously established KPIs across multiple assessment streams.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 22, 2024
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, said his administration would be reducing public servants working days as part of plans to cushion the cost of living crisis in the country.
“We want to start with our public servants, immediately from next week, Civil servants from the lower level will be working like three times a week and level 15-17 can work four times in a week,” Sanwo-Olu said during the ongoing media parley on economic hardship.
On the rising cost of food, he added that his administration would open more markets where Lagosians can buy food items at discounted rates.
“We will open Sunday Markets in at least 42 identified markets across Lagos State. You will be able to buy food items at a discounted price. You will only be able to buy items worth up to N25,000,” the governor said.
The governor said his administration was also constructing four food hubs to ensure food distribution in tackling rising food prices.
“Coupled with the one at Idi-Oro in Mushin, four more food hubs are under construction and 7 other locations in other local governments have also been identified for more food hubs to be developed,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He added that the 25% reduction on transport services will start this weekend for the State Public Transport system (BRT, Train, Ferry).
Furthermore, Sanwo-Olu announced a free delivery for pregnant residents across all government-owned hospitals in Lagos.
“There is an arrangement for free delivery including cesarean session at government hospitals,” he said.
On rising cost of drugs and other pharmaceutical products, the governor promised that his administration “will also give rebate on some particular drugs at our state government hospitals”.
The governor noted that his administration was also in discussions with various transport unions to reduce their fares.
“First is to express empathy with our citizens, We are not unmindful of the situation, as leaders, we must be able to solve socioeconomic problems,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He also challenged the private sector to look into what they can do for the citizens by replicating their role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
[Punch]
Asue Ighodalo, a businessman, has won the governorship primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state.
Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara and returning officer of the election, declared Ighodalo winner of the primary poll on Thursday.
Lawal said Ighodalo secured 577 votes to defeat other aspirants in the race.
“I, therefore, declare Asuelimen Ighodalo the winner of this concluded primary today with a total vote of 577,” Lawal said
“Therefore, I hereby return him elected as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming election in Edo State. My brother, congratulations.”
Ighodalo was the preferred candidate of Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo.
Earlier, Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo, won the parallel governorship primary organised at his residence.Advertisement
Bartholomew Moses, the returning officer, who announced Shaibu as the winner of the parallel primary election, said the deputy governor won the exercise with over 300 votes.
Some party delegates who arrived at the lawn tennis court of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin City, the state capital, the venue of the primary, were reportedly denied access.
The delegates subsequently moved to Shaibu’s residence where a parallel election was held.
[TheCable]
The US Dollar supply turnover at Wednesday’s official foreign exchange market surged by 51 per cent to $240.72 million as the Naira recorded marginal gains.
FMDQ data showed that FX Turnover increased to $240.72 million on Wednesday from $117.32 million on Tuesday.
The figure represented a $123.4 million FX turnover increase at the close of trade on Wednesday.
The development led to the appreciation of the Naira to N1,542.58 per US dollar on Wednesday from 1,551.24 on Tuesday.
DAILY POST gathered that this is the second time the nation’s currency has appreciated against the US dollar at the official foreign market since last Thursday.
DAILY POST recalls that the turnover of US Dollar supply at Tuesday’s official foreign exchange market surged by 76.61 per cent to $117.32 million as the Naira appreciated.
However, at the parallel market, the Naira dropped N1,860 per US dollar on Wednesday from N1,740.00 on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, at Binance, a P2P market, Naira appreciated N1,608 per US dollar on Wednesday from N1,936 on Tuesday, amid reported access restrictions in Nigeria.
The development came days after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, raided illegal Bureau De Change operators in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Oyo states.
DAILY POST recalls that in the past weeks, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has rolled out several policies to checkmate the continued fluctuations of the Naira in the FX market.
The federal government of Nigeria has banned the exportation of cooking gas as part of efforts to beat down the price within the country and make the product available.
This was made known on Thursday by the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Speaking at a stakeholders workshop in Abuja with the theme, “Harnessing Nigeria’s Proven Gas Reserves for Economic Growth and Development,” Ekpo explained that once there is a stoppage of the export of locally produced domestic gas, there will be more volume for the domestic market which will automatically reduce the price of the product.
He added that his ministry is constantly discussing with critical stakeholders like the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and operators such as Mobil, Chevron, and Shell to address the issue.
His words: “We are interacting with critical stakeholders to ensure that there is no exportation of LPG.
“All LPG produced within the country will have to be domesticated. And when this is done, the volume will increase and of course, the price will automatically crash.
“I am in contact with the regulation, NMDPRA, we hold meetings almost on daily basis, and the producers such as Mobil, Chevron, and Shell. So there is that hope that things will turn around. We don’t need to make noise about it.”
In an imminent move to alleviate the cost burden of pharmaceuticals on Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu is set to sign executive orders aimed at reducing the prices of essential medicines.
The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Health, Tunji Alausa and communicated through a post on X by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday.
This strategic decision comes as a response to the soaring prices of pharmaceutical products, which have increasingly become a concern for many Nigerians.
According to Minister Alausa, the executive orders are expected to provide “immediate succour” to citizens, addressing the urgent need for affordable healthcare products in the country.
The move to regulate pharmaceutical prices through executive orders was underscored a month prior by the Minister of Health, Ali Pate.
He highlighted the necessity of such measures following the withdrawal of major multinational pharmaceutical companies from the Nigerian market.
This departure has exacerbated the challenge of accessing reasonably priced medicines, making the government’s intervention critical.
The minister said, “On what the government is doing regarding the high cost of pharmaceuticals, Mr. President has asked us to come up with a set of Executive Orders that he is going to sign to provide immediate succour to Nigerians about the high cost of pharmaceuticals.
“And these executive orders will get to the President’s table in the next few days. And that is the short-term solution to bringing down the cost of high pharmaceuticals and medical consumables that the citizens are experiencing currently.
“We are also working on medium-term solutions and long-term solutions.
“For us at the ministry of health, we are collaborating with the ministry of industry, trade and investment, and others to develop medium and long-term plans so that the situation we suddenly find ourselves in will not be here ever again.
“This cost of high pharmaceuticals that we are noticing now is due to inadequate planning in the past, but we are working on plans and solutions that will be durable and sustainable.”
Alausa added that the president is very committed to getting to the “end of this problem very quickly”.
He added, “As we know, the president made a lot of campaign promises to revamp, improve, and put the healthcare system of Nigeria on a sustainable pathway.
“As we can see, Mr. President is meeting a significant chunk of his campaign promises, and he is going to meet all of his promises. The healthcare budget for 2024 is the biggest ever that we have had in the history of Nigeria.”
While asking Nigerians to bear with the current administration, the minister assured that the costs of pharmaceuticals will plummet pretty soon.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State has declared a 25 percent reduction in transport fares for government-owned transport schemes.
Sanwo-Olu made this announcement during a live media chat, ‘Sanwo Speaks’ on Thursday.
He also announced that civil servants from levels 1–14 will begin to work three days a week as part of measures to ease the economic challenges for residents.
The governor noted that the forum was intended to intimate residents of steps being taken to reduce the economic burden on Lagosians.
He said workers in the teaching sector will, however, maintain the five-day-a-week work schedule, but the government will ensure additional transportation support for them.
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A former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi has claimed that Senator Adams Oshiomhole attempted to impose a gubernatorial candidate on the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State.
Fayemi accused the governor of playing a “disruptive” role during the February 17, 2024, governorship primary election in the state.
Recall that three governorship aspirants were declared winners of the primary election by three different umpires.
The governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, and chairman of the primary election committee, declared Dennis Idahosa, a member of the house of representatives, as the winner of the election.
However, Ojo Babatunde, spokesperson of the returning officers, declared Sunday Dekeri, a lawmaker representing Etsako federal constituency in the house of representatives, as the winner of the primary.
In another twist of events, Monday Okpebholo, the senator representing Edo central, claimed that he won the election with over 6,000 votes.
On Tuesday, the national leadership of the APC declared that the primary election was inconclusive.
The party fixed Thursday, February 22, 2024, as the new date for the completion of the primary election process.
The party subsequently appointed the governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu as the chairman of the primary election committee.
However, speaking via a statement by Ahmad Sajoh, his media aide, Fayemi claimed that Oshiomhole ousted the governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki during the buildup to the 2020 gubernatorial poll in the state.
The former Ekiti governor said Oshiomhole should have ensured a level playing field for all aspirants in 2024 instead of trying to impose a candidate.
“Earlier, Oshiomhole had attempted to eliminate some aspirants from contesting the primaries but failed. This is reminiscent of his high-handedness as national chairman when he manipulatively schemed Governor Godwin Obaseki out of the electoral process. That action led to the unfortunate loss of Edo state by the APC.
“It would appear the ground was being prepared by Oshiomhole yet again for the APC to lose the coming election in Edo state because of his unconscionable behaviour.
“However, the party has demonstrated independence and impartiality in cancelling and reordering the primaries.
“We hope the fresh primaries will now take place in an atmosphere deemed free and fair by all, for the sake of our great party.
“Oshiomhole may decide to support any of the aspirants if he chooses not to be neutral but the process must be open, free, and transparent, following the laid down rules.
“My interest is the APC and the party must put its best foot forward in the forthcoming elections,’’ Fayemi said.
THE Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP,) on Thursday held a parallel Congress that produced the deputy governor of the state, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu is the candidate.
While some delegates were being accredited to proceed to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium venue of the primary election, another set of delegates met in a facility in Commercial Avenue where they announced Shaibu the elected candidate of the PDP.
They claimed that they went to the venue for accreditation but were chased away by security agencies. They also alleged that the list of delegates published by the national leadership of the party was not the authentic one alleging that they saw names of people from Bayelsa state and names of people who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Declaring Shaibu winner of the election, Bartholomew Moses said “During the counting of this primary election, Philip Shaibu has a score of 301 votes and therefore, we hereby declare Philip Shaibu as the authentic elected candidate for this election in the PDP”
The people had barely finished their exercise when gunmen invaded the venue. They were dressed in vigilante outfits and came in several vehicles including two black unmarked Toyota Hiace Truck, an unmarked white sienna, a white Hilux and several other vehicles. They were shooting sporadically into the air and the people scampered in different directions for safety
Before the election, the delegates led by Festus Owu had protested to the deputy governor’s official lodge where they complained to him that they had been disenfranchised.
Speaking to the protesting delegates, Shaibu said “I appeal to all of you to be peaceful I don’t want anybody to be injured, I don’t want anybody molested and I am happy the way you have conducted yourselves peacefully and have come to report to me that you were not allowed to be accredited but I want to tell you that no one man can determine the destiny of a people and by the grace of God they cannot disenfranchise you people.
The law is clear that you people are the authentic delegates. Now that they have pushed you away, they want to go and replace you but I assure you that your vote must count, they cannot change and replace your names. I assure you that I will take your protest to the committee that is coming but you must remain peaceful in everything you are doing.”
Speaking to journalists later, Shaibu said “I saw the crowd outside and I asked who they are and they said they are delegates, I said they should be directed to the venue of the accreditation but they said they were protesting because they have been sent away from the venue if accreditation and they won their election and they have their results.
The election will hold and if a winner emerges with fake delegates, the election will not see the light of the day but if a winner emerges with the authentic delegate, there will be no problem, I am sure.”
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ibrahim Khalil Gaga as executive director, Corporate Services, at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM).
According to a statement by Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale on Wednesday, Gaga, a lawyer, has gained over 25 years of experience in the banking sector as well as in legal services.
He said prior to his appointment, he was the Board Secretary and Legal Adviser at NEXIM Bank.
“The President expects that Gaga will bring to his new role renewed zeal and diligence to enhance NEXIM’s mandate of providing finance, risk mitigation services, accurate trade and market information, as well as export advisory services to Nigerians in full support of the economic development agenda of his administration,” he said .
[:eadership]
Two weeks after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to release 42,000 metric tons of maize, millet and other commodities from the national strategic reserve to Nigerians for free, the items are yet to be distributed.
This is amidst the biting cost of living crisis in the country which is believed to be largely caused by the present administration’s policies of petrol subsidy removal and currency floating.
The president’s directive to release grains to the citizens was aimed at addressing hunger which had triggered protests in some states.
Following the directive given on February 8, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, last Wednesday at a press conference in Abuja, said grains would be distributed free to poor Nigerians.
Kyari said, “This 42,000MT is going to the needy free of charge. It will be directly to the needy at no cost.”
The minister said the grains would be released to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for onward distribution to Nigerians because the agency has the poverty index of the country.
“They know exactly where it is needed and they have a policy on how they transport and store it before it is distributed to the needy free.
“We have started working on that. We have already instructed NEMA to give us their work plan so that we can quickly go ahead and take possession of those stocks,” the minister said.
However, Daily Trust’s checks in many states showed that the grains were yet to be made available for distribution as of yesterday.
In Kano, grains had not been released to the state when our correspondent checked yesterday.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Food Security, Hajiya Aisha Muhammad Idris, said the state was ready to distribute food items as soon as they were released.
Our correspondent in Kwara State reports that the grains promised by the federal government had not been released to the state.
NEMA’s head of operations for Kwara and Niger states, Zainab Saidu, told Daily Trust yesterday that “NEMA is not in possession of any grains yet. If there were, they would have contacted us at the zonal office and delivered straight to us. But there is nothing like that yet. I have not heard from my headquarters on the issue and I believe they (federal government) have not released anything yet.”
Kwara SEMA chairman, Moshood Magaji, also said: “We have not received any message on the issue and my office is not handling anything like distribution. I do not know of any distribution from the federal government.”
Reports from Taraba also indicated that no grains had been released to the state as there were no grains at the NEMA office in the state when our reporter visited yesterday.
The situation was the same in Gombe and Ogun states, as NEMA officials there said they were yet to receive grains from the federal government.
Reports from Niger, Oyo, Cross River, Benue, Bauchi, Yobe, Kogi, and Nasarawa states also indicated that the federal government had not released food items to them yet.
We’re waiting – NEMA hqtrs
At its headquarters in Abuja, NEMA said it was yet to receive the grains from the agriculture ministry for distribution to Nigerians.
Its head of Press and Public Relations Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, however, told Daily Trust yesterday that they were in talks with the agriculture ministry on the development.
He said as soon as the grains were handed over to the agency, distribution would commence.
Why there’s delay – Agric ministry
The Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Joel Oruche, neither answered phone calls nor replied to a text message sent to him by Daily Trust for explanation on why the grains had not been released as promised.
But an official in the ministry, who spoke to Daily Trust, on condition of anonymity, attributed the delay to data authentication.
He said this was to avoid the mistakes made during the previous distribution of palliatives.
“The ministry has been holding several inter-agency meetings at various levels to make sure the grains reach the intended impoverished people rather than falling into the wrong hands,” he said.
The official said the grains were in silos located in different parts of the country.
He added that the logistics and security modalities had to be properly worked out to have a hitch-free distribution exercise across the country.
However, credible sources told Daily Trust yesterday that despite claims by government officials, there is not enough grain reserve in the country.
One of the sources said it is better for the government to tell the citizens the truth instead of making promises that would not be fulfilled.
Another source said importation of grains remains the only option for now to address food shortages in the interim and advised government at all levels to provide security and incentives for farmers ahead of the next cropping season.
Findings revealed that Nigeria has 33 silos with a total capacity of 1.3 million metric tons for its Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) system.
However, about 19 of these silos were concessioned to the private sector for a number of years.
The ministry has not given details of what is available in the national strategic grains reserve silos, describing it as a national security issue.
Agric Minister Abubakar Kyari during a recent briefing at the Joint Senate Committee on the State of the Economy, insisted that Nigeria’s grain reserves were not empty.
“On the issue of food reserve, I think a question was asked: Are the grains available? I will say yes, the ones we are about to release are available,” he said.
Invest in agric to tackle hunger, US urges govt
Meanwhile, the United States has urged the federal government to invest in agriculture to address the food security challenges in the country.
The US Charge d’Affaires in Nigeria, David Greene, made the call yesterday at Ipao Ekiti, in Ikole Council Area of Ekiti State during a visit by the US Embassy to the 15,000-hectare Agbeyewa Farms.
He urged leaders in Nigeria to harness the abundant arable lands, fertile soil and favourable weather endowments to provide food for Nigerians and for export.
He said: “We are aware of the food security challenge and the post-harvest losses in Nigeria. With investments and leadership like this, I think the lives of a lot of Nigerians can be changed for the better.”
[DailyTrust]