The Katsina State Government has clarified that it received N2 billion, not N5 billion as previously alleged, from the federal government’s palliative programme. The funds were intended for the procurement of grains and their subsequent distribution to residents in the state.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, the State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Home Affairs, Mr Bala Salisu-Zango, explained that the disbursed amount had already been utilized to procure grains, providing much-needed relief to the suffering masses in the state.
Initially, the federal government had planned to allocate N5 billion for the acquisition of rice, maize, and fertilizer, to be distributed to various states. However, after consultations with state governors, a collective decision was made to directly allocate the funds to the states. This adjustment aimed to expedite the procurement process and invigorate local economies.
Consequently, the funds were provided incrementally to the states, earmarked specifically for rice and maize procurement.
Furthermore, the Central Bank of Nigeria was instructed to release the funds to the states as a soft loan. The federal government will repay 52% of the loan, while states are responsible for the remaining 48% over the course of 12 months.
The Katsina State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dikko Radda, has already utilized the N2 billion received to purchase 40,000 bags of rice. These grains are intended for distribution in each of the state’s polling units.
In addition to this, Governor Radda had previously directed all local government councils in the state to procure and distribute maize to citizens free of charge, a directive that has already been fulfilled.
Mr Bala Salisu-Zango assured citizens to remain calm, stating that once the next tranche of funds is received from the federal government, the state government will proceed with procuring maize and distributing it accordingly.
