[ICYMI] Tinubu approves N50,000 grant, N155bn food package for households

During the National Economic Council meeting on Thursday in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu approved the National Construction and Household Support Programme.

Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesman, stated in a statement that the program's objectives are to increase agricultural output, develop the economy, and give Nigerian households instant financial relief.

Ngelale continued, "The programme, which has the backing of the NEC, consists of infrastructure projects and financial allotments throughout all of the nation's geopolitical zones."

He continued by saying that the approval of the N50,000 uplift grant, which will be given to 100,000 families per state for a three-month period, is a crucial part of the programme.

Ngelale disclosed that an additional N155 billion was set up for the procurement and dissemination of diverse food items throughout the country in order to tackle concerns about food security and affordability.
He said that the strategy will also support infrastructural projects, including as the seven-state Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which is essential for the sustainability of agriculture. He continued by saying that the states along this axis make up the country's food belt.

The Trans-Saharan Highway and the current Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are examples of further infrastructure projects. Additionally, Tinubu approved full counterpart finance for the Lagos-Kano Standard-Gauge Railway's Ibadan-Abuja segment as well as the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway.

Ngelale added that the NEC had authorised the N10 billion allotment to each state and the Federal Capital Territory for the purchase of buses and the execution of the plan to upgrade compressed natural gas, in addition to the projects.
The presidential spokesman stated that measures were additionally provided for worker unions and civil society organizations.
Tinubu asked state governors to work together to address the needs of the populace and increase food production in the nation during the NEC meeting.

"To meet the needs of our people, we must deliver on the critical reforms that are required of us," he stated, calling on our states to collaborate. Humanity's most valuable resource is time. There's never enough of it. It's growing late.

"We are prepared and able to assist you by providing top-notch seeds and automating your agricultural operations.

"We need to produce now, but we are ready to help our farmers throughout the year with solar-powered irrigation systems. Our people's food must be produced by us, which will need intentionality and cooperation from all members of the National Economic Council (NEC)
Producing food of the highest calibre for our people to eat, purchase, and sell is the most essential thing we do. When we produce it, we create jobs. And that's before we export the surplus to create wealth. We can accomplish this for Nigerians. How much and in what way assistance do you require from me? I'm ready to supply it. But we have to get the desired outcome. We have to meet our goals on all fronts. Kindly submit to my office within seven days after your consultations and report back.