The Niger government has warned against diverting palliative items meant to cushion the adverse effects of petrol subsidy removal.

Commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Muazu Janta, advised those in the committee for the distribution to be honest and ensure transparency.

Mr Jantabo handed down the warning during the distribution exercise inauguration at the Lapai council secretariat on Tuesday. He outlined measures the standing committees took for the even distribution of items to ensure inclusiveness devoid of rancour and bitterness.

The commissioner reiterated the enforcement of Governor Mohammed Bago’s directives to ensure equitable distribution of foodstuffs like rice beans, garri, and other items to all targeted communities.

According to him, special consideration for two wards in Lapai, known for their cosmopolitan demographics and township location, received special attention as agreed by the committee.

They are allocations for Gabas-Kudu and Arewa-Yamma wards that received nine bags of rice and two bags of beans each, saying the political appointees in the 10 wards of the council agreed and contributed to cover the outstanding N1,518,000 for logistics.

Mr Jantabo added that allocation for the other eight remaining wards in the Lapai local government area also got eight bags of rice and two bags of beans with an additional six bags each.

He noted that provisions were also made for security agencies like the Lapai Police Division to receive three bags of rice, the Nigerian Army two bags and the vigilantes 20 bags.

“This is in addition to the allocations for the DSS, SIB, Civil Defence Corps, Fire Service and Prisons Service,” he stated.

Mr Jantabo maintained a residual value of N798,000 left from the total items bought for distribution, just as the logistical costs for the distribution were estimated to cost N2.316 million, leaving a balance of N1.518 million, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Lapai LGA chairman, Mohammed Kirikpo, has charged ward councillors to be fair and equitable in distributing palliatives at the grassroots level.

Mr Kirikpo appreciated the committee’s effort headed by Mr Jantabo for his support towards a successful distribution. 

(NAN)