The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has taken a significant step to address the public outcry surrounding the distribution of Federal Government palliatives in National Assembly constituencies. This move comes as the Ministry releases a detailed bill of quantity to contractors responsible for procuring and delivering the palliatives to these constituencies.
In a groundbreaking development, the bill of quantity provides a glimpse into the components of the palliatives, including 62 bags of parboiled long grain rice. Described as meeting the highest standards, the rice is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals and packaged in polypropylene laminated bags.
The controversy surrounding this distribution emerged when a House of Representatives member from Edo State, Hon. Dekeri Anamer, called upon constituents to question the whereabouts of the approved bags of rice, sparking unrest and dissatisfaction.
While delays in the procurement process fueled misinformation and accusations against lawmakers, the Ministry’s proactive actions in issuing the bill of quantity offer a ray of hope. Contractors involved in the distribution process have expressed optimism that this move will help dispel tension, address misinformation, and alleviate the prolonged wait for palliatives in many constituencies.
While some federal constituencies have already received their palliatives following the issuance of award letters, others continue to await distribution, contributing to conflicting information and accusations against lawmakers.
The revelation of N300 million worth of palliatives by the Edo lawmaker stirred intense controversy and confusion, prompting a response from the Senate and House of Representatives. Both chambers have refuted claims of members receiving and hoarding the palliative items, citing ongoing procurement processes and bureaucratic delays from the Ministry of Agriculture.
President Bola Tinubu’s special assistant on social media, Olusegun Dada, has confirmed the distribution of N200 million worth of palliative items to senators and N100 million worth to House of Representatives members. The House reiterated that the rice palliative released by President Tinubu is not missing but acknowledged bureaucratic bottlenecks for the delay in distribution.
Deputy spokesperson for the House, Philip Agbese, explained the ongoing process, emphasizing that while some lawmakers have received the rice, others are still awaiting delivery due to varying distances and bureaucratic challenges within the ministry.
The release of the bill of quantity marks a pivotal moment in the saga of the Federal Government’s palliatives, shedding light on the intricate distribution process and offering hope for transparency and accountability in the delivery of essential aid to constituencies across Nigeria.
