Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has initiated the second phase of the Palliative Distribution Programme in Kaduna State, in response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for state governors to combat poverty and alleviate citizens’ suffering.

At a ceremony in Kaduna State on Monday, March 18, 2024, Governor Sani announced the commencement of the distribution, emphasizing the state government’s commitment to providing relief to the poor and vulnerable.

“We shall continue to take all necessary measures to bring succor to the poor and vulnerable in our state. In the next two months, we shall commence the implementation of the 3rd Phase of our Palliatives Programme. It’s a full package,” the governor stated.

The governor outlined the allocation of N11.4 billion for the second phase of the Palliative Distribution Programme. He revealed that 128 trucks of rice and maize worth N3.4 billion would be distributed to approximately 200,000 households, benefiting around 1,000,000 individuals.

Additionally, Governor Sani announced the release of grants to 7,500 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), ranging from N100,000 to N500,000, with some receiving up to N1,000,000 based on their enterprise’s size.

Furthermore, N4.2 billion has been allocated for the distribution of cash grants, fertilizer, farm inputs, and implements to various vulnerable groups, including smallholder farmers, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), orphans, market women, and youths.

The Governor highlighted the importance of supporting pensioners, disclosing that N3.3 billion has been disbursed for the payment of pensions, gratuities, and death benefits to families of deceased civil servants.

Moreover, Governor Sani announced financial support for poor and vulnerable households, with over 9,800 households, including persons with disabilities, receiving N50,000 each. He also unveiled a 500 million Naira Revolving Loan Scheme for civil servants in the state.

Warning against any attempt to hijack or divert the palliatives, Governor Sani assured robust security measures to safeguard the distribution process, stating that any such attempt would face legal consequences.

In appreciation of the Governor’s efforts, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Suleiman, commended the release of funds for the workers’ revolving loan scheme and the additional support for pensioners, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to the welfare of both workers and retirees in Kaduna State.