Palliative: We Are Yet To Receive FG’s N5Bn – Katsina Govt

• Governor Dikko Radda’s state government has utilized N2 billion and purchased 40,000 bags of rice for distribution in polling units, according to Zango
• This led to the decision to provide the funds incrementally to states, earmarked specifically for rice and maize procurement

The Katsina State Government has revealed that it did not get the N5 billion that was allegedly used to purchase cereals and distribute them to state citizens, but rather received N2 billion from the federal government’s palliative initiative.

At a news conference on Wednesday, the state’s commissioner for information, culture, and home affairs, Mr. Bala Salisu-Zango, stated that the money was disbursed for additional relief for the state’s suffering citizens.

Zango pointed out that the initial federal government budgeted N5 billion for the purchase of rice, maize, and fertiliser to be distributed to the states.

However, following consultations with state governors, it was collectively decided that the funds should be directed straight to the states to expedite the procurement process and invigorate local economies.

This led to the decision to provide the funds incrementally to states, earmarked specifically for rice and maize procurement.

He also disclosed that the Central Bank of Nigeria was directed to release the funds to the states as a soft loan, which the federal government will repay 52 per cent and states 48 per cent over a period of 12 months.

According to Zango, the state government, under the Direction of Governor Dikko Radda, has already utilised the N2 billion received and purchased 40,000 bags of rice for onward distribution in each of the state’s polling units.

This, the Katsina Information Commissioner said, is in addition to the earlier directive Governor Radda gave to all local government councils in the state to procure and distribute maize to citizens free of charge; which has been carried out already.

Zango further urged the citizens to remain calm, assuring that once the next tranche of funds is received from the federal government, the state government will procure maize and distribute accordingly.