By Damilare Adeleye
The Federal Government has approved N5 billion for each of the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory for the procurement of food items.
The fund, it was learnt, is part of government’s efforts to ameliorate the harsh realities of fuel subsidy removal.
This was made known to journalists on Thursday after theNational Economic Council (NEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Governor Babagana Zulum of the Borno State, while speaking to reporters, explained that it was part of measures to bring temporary solutions to the high cost of living caused by the subsidy removal.
He said the States are to purchase 100,000 bags of rice and beans among other items, adding that each of the States is also to receive five trucks of rice.
He added that the NEC agreed that the frontier States bordering the Niger Republic are to be assisted with more palliative materials than others, considering the influx of refugees into their domains from the beleaguered neighbouring country.