The Katsina State government has confirmed the receipt of N2 billion from the approved N5 billion palliative fund allocated to states by the Federal Government. Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango, the Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Home Affairs in the state, issued a statement to clarify the situation amidst rumors circulating about the federal government’s allocation.
The National Economic Council (NEC) had taken a step last week to provide financial relief to the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by releasing N5 billion to each of the 36 states. This move aimed to alleviate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on the citizens of the country.
Addressing the media’s insinuations about the entire N5 billion being disbursed to the state, Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango categorically stated, “I wish to state that the Katsina State government received only N2 billion for procurement of grain to be distributed to the citizens of the state.”
With the received amount, the Katsina State government promptly took action, utilizing the N2 billion to secure 40,000 bags of rice. These provisions are intended to be distributed among vulnerable individuals residing in all the polling units across the state. Additionally, the government has plans to further allocate the next portion of the federal fund to purchase maize for distribution among deserving households.
However, in a stern cautionary note, the commissioner emphasized that any malpractice or irregularities in the distribution of palliatives would not be tolerated. He asserted that strict consequences would be imposed on anyone found guilty of misconduct during the palliative distribution exercise.
