In response to the prevailing hardship and escalating living expenses across various regions, several state governments have initiated actions to mitigate the challenges faced by their citizens.
This comes amidst widespread outcry over the soaring prices of essential commodities across the nation, prompting protests in various parts of the country.
The surge in food prices, reaching its highest rate in nearly three decades, has exacerbated the strain on households, compounded by the removal of fuel subsidies and the persistent depreciation of the Naira against major foreign currencies.
President Bola Tinubu, in a meeting with the 36 governors of the federation, urged them to address the economic pressures confronting their citizens.
Meanwhile, some states have already begun implementing measures to alleviate the burden on their residents.
LAGOS STATE:
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced initiatives to provide relief to over 1000 residents, including the distribution of free meals in all L.G.A and reduced transportation costs by 25%.
Additionally, Lagos State plans to establish Sunday Markets across 42 markets in the state to offer essential food items at affordable rates to over 500,000 Lagosians.
Sanwo-Olu also plans to create flexible working hours for public servants.
Said “So, immediately from next week, we will work out a plan that would enable civil servants from Level 1 to 14 to come to the office a maximum of three times a week.
“Level 15 to 17 will come to work four times, all civil servants will work remotely anytime they are not working from the office.”
BORNO STATE:
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum disbursed N225 million in cash and food items to over 70,000 vulnerable families in Bama, underscoring the commitment to alleviate hardship and prevent recruitment into insurgent groups.
These interventions reflect a concerted effort by state governments to address the economic challenges facing Nigerians and ensure the well-being of their citizens.
OYO STATE:
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde in his effort to address the current hardship rolled out a relief package known as Sustainable Action For Economic Recovery (SAfER) at a low-interest rate for small and micro enterprises across the state.
SAfER loan, an economic palliatives created to support and boost small entrepreneurs and micro businesses in the state.
Makinde however disbursed N500m to beneficiaries of the SAfER loan across all the seven geo-political zones of the state who are mostly artisans, petty traders, and corporate business owners among others.
KWARA STATE:
The distribution of rice palliatives continues in Kwara State, with 20,000 bags of 10kg of rice allocated to communities in need. Efforts are ongoing to ensure equitable distribution across the 16 local government areas.
AKWA IBOM STATE:
Governor Umo Eno introduced a bill to establish the State Bulk Purchasing Agency to regulate the prices of staple food items, aiming to make them more accessible to the populace.
BENUE STATE:
Governor Fr. Hyacinth Alia provided fertilizers to farmers and covered the examination fees of candidates sitting for national examinations, prioritizing the welfare of the people.
OGUN STATE:
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed plans to provide staple food items such as rice, garri, and beans to citizens, with about 100 trailers of rice set for distribution.
Vulnerable individuals will receive rice free of charge, while others can purchase it at standard prices.
OSUN STATE:
Governor Ademola Adeleke unveiled his government’s food security plan as he advocated national unity to resolve the current national economic crisis.
Adeleke said his administration is working on Small Farmers’ Equipment Lending service. This is to ease the access of small-scale farmers to tractors and other needed machinery.
He also plans to implement a City to Farm programme to expand food production, said it was designed to encourage young small-scale farmers and expand production and also engage youth.