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By Nasir Kura
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N27.4 billion for states affected by conflicts, insecurity and floods, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi said on Wednesday.
Addressing State House correspondents at the end of the weekly FEC meeting in Abuja, the governor, who is the Vice President of the National Food Security Council chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari, said the council’s approval followed a submission of two memos from the national food security council.
He said N8.58 billion was approved for 69,872 victims of conflicts and insecurity in Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara states for interventions in the area of procurement of fertiliser, seedlings, chemicals, poultry and animals to enable them resume economic activities.
“FEC approved the intervention for states that have been affected by conflicts and insecurity, where many have been displaced from their homes and some are living in Internally Displaced Persons camps. While support has been given in terms of accommodation, food, welfare, the national food security council considered the importance of helping them restore their livelihood activities, particularly agricultural activity.
“Council approved the memo by Mr President and approved N8,558,529,755 for intervention in Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara. The beneficiaries are estimated about 69,872 people. The intervention includes provision of fertilizer, seedlings, chemicals, poultry and animals to enable them resume economic activity,’’ he said.
The governor said N18,942,818, 912 was approved for 14 states of the federation that were severely affected flood. in the country.
“Secondly, council considered and approved the submission which originated from national food security council on states that have been severely affected by flooding. It is not an exhaustive list because the National Emergency Management Agency statutorily provides all states that experience one emergency or the other.
“Last year, there was unusual amount of flooding in some states about 14 of them and the national food security council considered the impact of that flooding on the agricultural sector, food security, animal husbandry and fisheries. And so, today the council approved an intervention totally N18,942,818,912.14,” he said.
He said that contracts would be awarded to 15 companies to provide seedlings, agro chemicals and fertilizers to 163,117 beneficiaries in Adamawa, Anambra, Beyelsa, Benue, Delta, Edo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Rivers, Sokoto and Taraba states.
