From John Adams, Minna
In a move to avert the nationwide protest scheduled for August, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has rolled out several welfare packages and palliatives, starting with a N20,000 wage allowance for state and local government civil servants. He also ordered the immediate release of 50,000 metric tonnes of assorted grains to be sold at subsidised rates to mitigate the current economic hardship.
The governor made these announcements in Minna on Thursday during a town hall meeting on the state of affairs. He said the grains would be sold at 50% of their current market price.
Calling on security agencies to ensure strict monitoring of the grain sales, he disclosed that the 50,000 metric tonnes were part of the 100,000 metric tonnes in government warehouses.
“We have over 100,000 metric tonnes of food in our reserves, out of which we will be releasing 50,000 metric tonnes to be sold at 50% of its present price. Before the end of the year, we will slash food prices by 90%,” he assured.
To show appreciation for their efforts in combating banditry, insurgency, and other criminal activities, the governor announced a gift of one Prado Jeep to each head of security agency in the state.
Read also: Governor Bago Leading Niger State to the Promised Land: MBYC
The governor’s welfare package also included an increase in scholarship allowances for indigent students, from N2.5 billion to N12 billion. He also presented a new 18-seater bus to the National Association of Niger State Students (NANIS).
The 25 local government chairmen each received a Jeep as an official vehicle to ease their movement. Governor Bago expressed his support for local government autonomy.
He stated that youths in the state would not participate in the planned August 1–10 nationwide protest against hunger and economic hardship, emphasising their peaceful nature.
“We, as youths of Niger State, have distanced ourselves from the nationwide protest because we are peaceful and want peace and tranquillity. You can start a demonstration, but you cannot end demonstrations. To youths who are agitating for this protest, let us end these agitations; let us communicate and dialogue on the best way forward.”
He further asserted that the state government did not rely on federal allocations to fund its projects. “I do not need FAAC in Niger State. The roads I am building, the projects I have undertaken, are not being done by FAAC. We are producing, and that is the secret behind what we are doing. There are people who have invested in Niger State for the next five years.
“The food I am giving out at a 50% subsidy was originally meant for export, but due to the hardship faced by the people, we have opened our warehouses to feed the people of the state.”
The Emir of Bida and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya, said the planned nationwide protest was not a viable solution to the country’s problems. He urged the state’s youths not to participate in the protest, prioritising peace and stability.
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Honourable Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, echoed the sentiment, calling on the youth to abstain from the protest and stating that the state would organise alternative programmes for them.