The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, announced that the National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the sum of N3 billion for Kebbi State and other states affected by flooding this year, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking to Government House Correspondents over the weekend in Birnin Kebbi after inspecting rice farms affected by the flood in the Argungu area, he stated that the Federal Government would support Kebbi and other flood-affected states with N3 billion to mitigate the effects of the flood and enhance food production in the country.
“The Federal Executive Council has approved the sum of N3 billion as support for farmers who lost crops to the devastating floods across the country,” Edun said.
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He added that the National Economic Council has been proactive in supporting the states and the FCT to take action in response to the flooding.
During his visit to Wacot Rice Mills in Argungu with Governor Nasir Idris, Edun expressed satisfaction with what he observed at the company. He noted that the rice mills had created thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
“We are impressed with what we’ve seen here, which shows that if properly funded, Kebbi alone can feed the entire nation,” he said.
Edun also stated that President Tinubu is committed to helping expand the rice mills and other smaller rice mills in Kebbi to boost food production, reduce food inflation, and create more jobs for Nigerians.
In his remarks, Governor Nasir Idris appealed to President Tinubu to assist Kebbi rice farmers who were severely affected by the heavy flooding that destroyed their crops.
“We appeal for support for the flood victims whose farms were devastated, to help mitigate their losses,” the Governor said.
He added that Kebbi has the potential to feed the nation, as his administration has supported farmers with free fertilizers, free seedlings, and free pumping machines to accelerate farming activities in the state.
He noted that once the wet season ends, the state is ready to engage in massive dry season farming with continued support and encouragement for farmers.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, commended President Tinubu for his leadership in reforming the economy and working towards stabilizing the nation’s economic situation.
He also highlighted that road projects from Sokoto to Badagry in Lagos would greatly benefit farmers, particularly in areas of irrigation and food security.
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