T he Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu, recently announced the distribution of 20 trucks of 25kg rice to each state for free distribution to vulnerable households as part of its efforts to combat surging food inflation. However, disturbing reports and video evidence have emerged, showing that these bags of rice are being re-bagged for commercial sale in Kogi State.
According to the government's statement, each truck contains 1,200 bags of rice intended to alleviate the burden of rising food costs on vulnerable populations. This initiative was designed as an interventionary measure by the Federal Government to address the growing food inflation crisis in the country.
However, in a video obtained by SaharaReporters, residents of Kogi State exposed the fraudulent activities undermining this initiative. The video shows individuals repackaging the government-distributed rice, which is clearly marked "not for sale," for commercial purposes.
One resident in the video stated, “The rice shared by the federal government is being repackaged for sale. As you can see on the body it is written 'not for sale', however, we accosted these persons trying to repackage it. They said they got the rice from the Agriculture Ministry in the country.” The resident's frustration highlights the broader issue of corruption in the distribution of aid.
The residents also expressed their dismay over the rising cost of living and the corruption affecting the distribution of these palliatives. “It’s unfortunate, I bought a tin of beans for N380 yesterday and see what they are doing to this rice now,” another person lamented in the video.
This is not the first time that the distribution of palliatives in Nigeria has been marred by corruption. During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous reports surfaced of palliatives being hoarded in stores instead of being distributed to those in need, causing widespread anger among citizens.
The government's commitment to tackling food inflation through various interventionary measures is being called into question as these incidents of corruption and mismanagement continue to undermine their efforts. It is crucial for the authorities to investigate these claims thoroughly and ensure that the aid reaches the intended recipients.
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