Katsina Palliative: Govt denies collecting N5b from FG “we got only N2b loan
By Faith Awa Maji, Katsina
The Katsina State government debunked media reports that it has received N5 billion to purchase foodstuff as palliative to the people of the State to cushion effects of the recent fuel subsidy removal.
The State Commissioner for Information, Malam Bala Salisu Zango while briefing newsmen in Katsina said, government received only N2 billion for procurement of grains as loan that will repay within a period of one year.
According to the Commissioner, “the attention of Katsina State government has been drawn to news going round in the media that N5 billion has been released to States by the Federal Government for palliatives.
“I wish to state that, Katsina State
Government received only N2 billion for procurement of grains to be distributed to citizens of the State.
“It is important to note that the Federal Government of Nigeria planned to spend N5 billion for the procurement of rice, maize and fertilizer to States but the governors insisted that the funds should be released directly to
States for the procurement of maize and rice in order to stimulate the local
economy, ease distribution process and other logistics associated with the programme.
“Hence, the decision by Federal Government to release the money in tranches to states for the procurement of rice and maize.
“In addition, the Federal Government of Nigeria directed the Central Bank to release the funds to states as a soft loan which the Federal Government will repay 52 per cent and states 48 per cent over a period of 12 months.
“Furthermore, Katsina State governiment under the leadership of Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has already utilised the N2 bilion received and purchased 40,000 bags of rice to be distributed.
“Additionally, His Excellency, the Governor of Katsina State recently directed all local Government Councils in the state to procure and distribute maize to citizens free of charge.
“This was done to alleviate the suffering of our people due to the withdrawal of fuel subsidy.
“The grains have been procured and distributed across all polling units in the State.
“Finally, the citizens are enjoined to be calm and assured that once the next tranche of funds is received from the Federal Government, Katsina State Government will procure the maize and distribute accordingly.”
