Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has revealed that palliatives intended for poor households in Nigeria are being diverted, hampering the federal government’s efforts to alleviate hunger in the country.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Mr Jibrin disclosed that while President Bola Tinubu has approved various palliative measures for vulnerable Nigerians, those tasked with distribution are not fulfilling their responsibilities.
“The mandate Mr. President has given to us is to make the items to be distributed get to the people. He (Tinubu) has given a lot of palliatives, but they are not being distributed evenly, they have not gone to those at the grassroots who should have them,” Mr Jibrin stated.
The Deputy Senate President, who represents Kano North Senatorial District, did not specify individuals involved in the diversion.
However, he announced the formation of a federal government committee, which he chairs, to oversee palliative distribution in Kano State.
This committee aims to distribute 25kg of rice to 23,644 people across Kano’s 44 local government areas. With an estimated state population of 15,462,200, this initiative targets a specific subset of residents.
Mr Jibrin outlined the committee’s distribution strategy, emphasizing transparency and accountability:
“Beneficiaries shall be listed on a sheet of paper, and each shall be given a bag of rice (25kg) after such a person is identified through a valid means of identification such as a National Identity Card, Driver’s license, Voter’s card, or international passport,” he explained.
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The committee includes prominent figures such as senators Kawu Sumaila and Rufai Hanga, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Abdullahi Gwarzo, and Minister of State (FCT) Mariya Mahmud, among others.
It also incorporates representatives from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), reflecting a bipartisan approach to palliative distribution.
