Tinubu Approves N50,000 Grants and N155bn Food Aid

President Bola Tinubu has approved the National Construction and Household Support Programme during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja. According to a statement issued by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the programme aims to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen the economy, and provide immediate economic relief for Nigerian households.

Ngelale stated that the NEC-supported programme includes financial allocations and infrastructure projects across all geo-political zones in the country. A key component of the programme is the approval of the N50,000 uplift grant, which will be distributed to 100,000 families per state for three months. Additionally, N155 billion has been earmarked for purchasing and distributing assorted foodstuff nationwide to address food security and affordability concerns.

The programme will also focus on infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which will traverse seven states and is considered crucial for agricultural sustainability. Other infrastructure initiatives include the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Trans-Saharan Highway. Tinubu also approved full counterpart financing for the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway and the Ibadan-Abuja segment of the Lagos-Kano Standard-Gauge Railway. Furthermore, N10 billion will be allocated to each state and the Federal Capital Territory for the procurement of buses and implementation of the Compressed Natural Gas uplift programme.

During the NEC meeting, Tinubu urged state governors to collaborate in meeting the needs of citizens and boosting food production in the country. He emphasized the importance of coordination and intentionality among NEC members to produce high-quality food for consumption, create jobs, and generate wealth through exports. Tinubu assured the governors of his support in mechanizing agricultural processes, providing high-quality seedlings, and installing solar-powered irrigation facilities. He requested that the governors report back within seven days after consultations to ensure timely implementation of the programme.