The federal government has handed over 12,367 bags of rice to the Sokoto government as part of the palliative measures to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu and Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Political Matters, Ibrahim Masari, presented the bags of rice on Thursday.

In his address, Mr Bagudu said the gesture was part of a presidential initiative to support states in cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

He stressed that fertiliser, grains, and other food items were distributed earlier, aside from other support for transportation systems, housing, and other things.

The minister described the present economic challenges as a global phenomenon mainly due to conflicts, climate change, poor demographic planning and other issues.

Mr Masari explained that Mr Tinubu has introduced several measures to support Nigerians in dealing with the present economic challenges and improve their well-being.

He said the present challenges were temporary in view of long-term socioeconomic mechanisms designed to salvage the nation. He urged Nigerians to understand the situation and support Mr Tinubu’s renewed hope policies and strategic planning for meaningful developments.

Governor Ahmad Aliyu commended Mr Tinubu’s leadership style and assured more support to ease people’s sufferings and ensure infrastructural developments across the country.

Mr Aliyu said his government had received 60 trucks of fertiliser and 20 trucks of grains that were distributed to the citizens free across the 23 local government areas of the state.

He noted that the state government had also procured 12,367 bags of rice for free distribution while other bags were earmarked to be sold at half prices to citizens.

The governor added that the Sokoto government distributed 9,200 bags of rice with N5,000 to needles and internally displaced persons through the Zakkat and Endowment Commission.

He said the present administration procured 120 vehicles for interstates, townships, and local government transportation systems, as well as 1,000 motorcycles and 100 tricycles for youths.

(NAN)