Gov Uba Sani Launches N11.4Bn Palliatives in Kaduna to Combat Poverty

In an effort to combat poverty and provide relief to the citizens of Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has launched the second phase of the Palliative Distribution Programme with a budget of N11.4 billion.

The initiative comes in response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for state governors to take prompt and effective measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens in their respective states.

The second phase of the program, which commenced on Monday 18th March 2024, will see the distribution of 128 trucks of rice and maize worth N3.4 billion to approximately 200,000 households, reaching around 1,000,000 individuals.

Governor Sani also announced the release of grants to 7,500 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with amounts ranging from N100,000 to N500,000, and up to N1,000,000 for larger enterprises.

In addition to the distribution of food items, the program includes a budget of N4.2 billion for the provision of cash grants, fertilizer, farm inputs, and implements to vulnerable households, smallholder farmers, MSMEs, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), orphans, market women, and youths.

To further support the welfare of civil servants in the state, Governor Sani announced the release of N3.3 billion for the payment of pensions and gratuities, as well as death benefits to the families of deceased civil servants.

The Governor also unveiled a 500 million Naira Revolving Loan Scheme for civil servants in the state.

Governor Sani has taken measures to ensure the security of the relief materials, warning those planning to hijack or divert the supplies that they will face the full weight of the law.

The initiative has been well received by the organized labor in Kaduna, with the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Suleiman, commending Governor Uba for releasing 500 million naira for the workers’ revolving loan scheme and for his concern for the welfare of both pensioners and active service members.

The N11.4 billion Palliatives Distribution Programme in Kaduna State marks a significant step towards addressing poverty and improving the lives of vulnerable citizens in the state.