President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate release of 40,000 metric tons of assorted grains from the Strategic Grains Reserve to assist less-privileged Nigerians to celebrate the Easter and Sallah festivities.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Muhammed Mahmood, announced this when he briefed State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with Mr Buhari at the Presidential Villa, on Tuesday in Abuja.

“He directed and approved the release of grains from our Strategic Grains Reserve by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,” Mr  Mahmood said.

He added, “This is to cushion the effect of some of the issues we are facing with high commodities prices across the country.”

The minister stated that 12,000 out of the 40,000 approved tons will be allocated to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development by the ministry for distribution to internally-displaced persons across the country.

Mr Mahmood revealed that the same process used during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, to distribute 70,000 metric tons of assorted food items across some states and the Federal Capital Territory would be used in distributing the grains.

“If you remember very well, during the COVID pandemic, Mr President also directed and approved the release of grains,” he said.

(NAN)