The Nigerian Federal Government has initiated the distribution of 20 truckloads of 25kg rice bags to each of the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This measure is aimed at alleviating the current food shortages affecting vulnerable populations across the nation.
Following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the State House in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced that the rice shipments had been received by state governments for onward distribution to those most in need.
Sources estimate that a 40-foot trailer truck accommodates approximately 1,200 bags of 25kg rice. Based on this calculation, each state is expected to have received around 25,200 bags for distribution.
Idris confirmed, “Every state in the Federation, as well as the FCT, has been allocated 20 trailer loads of rice for distribution to the most vulnerable individuals to ease the ongoing food crisis.”
Progress on Other Government Initiatives
The Minister also disclosed that a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and labor representatives is scheduled for Thursday to finalize discussions on the proposed new minimum wage for Nigerian workers. This upcoming session follows a previous meeting held last week to deliberate on the issue.
UAE Lifts Visa Ban on Nigerians
Idris announced that effective July 15, 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted its visa ban on Nigerian passport holders. The agreement was reached following discussions between the governments of Nigeria and the UAE.
“The visa restrictions on Nigerians traveling to the UAE have been officially lifted as of today. Nigerian passport holders can now obtain visas to visit the UAE. Further details will be shared in a statement later,” he stated.
The UAE had initially imposed a visa ban on Nigerians in October 2022, which was followed by Emirates Airlines suspending flights to Nigeria in November of the same year.
