The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouk, said the rice distributed to states across the country was good and fit for consumption.
There had been controversy over the distributed rice with some states rejecting their portions, alleging the rice was bad.
But the minister said the rice was certified fit for consumption by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control before it was distributed to the states.
“On the issue of rice distribution to the states. The trucks of rice were handed over to us by the Nigeria Customs Service and were assessed by NAFDAC which issued a clearance before the goods were released for onward distribution to the states. So, as far as we’re concerned the rice was certified fit for human consumption.
“We had an issue in Oyo, which was officially reported this (Monday) morning. But two or three days back, we have seen news flying that the rice we took to the South-West and parts of this country was bad, and that Lagos has taken its own to the lagoon and that other states have rejected them. I want to say categorically that those are fake news. They are not true.
“I just spoke with the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (Fayemi) and he assured me that the one he received in Ekiti and other states is in good condition.
“Let us be very clear on this issue of rice. We all know that even in our houses if we keep food stuff, especially grains of that nature in a damp place, they are bound to have a change in colour. But that does mean that it is not fit for human consumption. So, please this is what I can say about the issue of rice and they (beneficiaries) are very happy that the Federal Government is supporting them,” she said.
