The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun at the weekend in Birnin Kebbi said the National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the sum of N3bn to Kebbi and other states affected by flood this year, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
While speaking to Newsmen in Birnin Kebbi after inspecting some rice farms affected by the flood at Argungu area of the state, he said the Federal Government would support Kebbi and other states affected by the flood with N3bn to mitigate effects of the flood and enhance effective food production in the country.
He said “the federal executive council has approved the sum of N3bn as support to farmers who lost crops to the ravaging flood in the country”.
The Minister added that the National Economy Council has been proactive in supporting the states of the federation and FCT with N3b for them to take action on the cases of the flooding.
While on visit to Wacot Rice Mills at Argungu with Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, he expressed satisfaction over what he saw at the company.
He said the rice mills has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs “we are happy with what we have seen here which shows that Kebbi alone if well funded can feed the entire nation”, he said.
He stated that president Tinubu is ready to help in the expansion of the rice mills and other mini rice mills in Kebbi to boost food production and reduce food inflation in the country, and as well create more jobs for Nigerians.
In his remarks, Governor Nasir Idris appeal to president Tinubu to come to the aid of Kebbi rice farmers that were adversely affected by heavy flooding that washed away their crops
“we appeal for support for the flood victims whose farms were devastated by flood, to at least mitigate their loss”, the Governor said.
He said Kebbi alone can feed the nation as his administration had supported farmers with free fertilisers,free seedlings and free pumping machines to fast track farming activities in the state.
He noted that as soon as the wet season runs out the state is ready to engage in massive dry season farming with same support and encouragement to farmers.
The Minister of Budget and Economy planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, commended President Tinubu for his leadership style in reforming the economy towards stabilization of the nation’s economy.
He explained that, the road projects from Sokoto to Badagary in Lagos would help farmers alot in the areas of irrigation and food security.
