Food aid for the most vulnerable members of society has resumed after the conclusion of investigations into alleged irregularities.

The distribution of food aid – intended for the “most vulnerable members of society”in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and the Jere Local Government Area of Borno State – resumed on Monday, March 11, after a more than a week’s suspension.

Borno State governor Babagana Umara Zulum ordered that aid be distributed to poor and indigent citizens to help them to cope in the harsh economic climate.

More than 100,000 households were identified in the MMC and Jere district. Each were to receive a 25kg bag of maize and a 25kg bag of rice.

Displaced people in six communities – Shehuri North and South, Fezzan, Hausari, Gambori and Bulabulin – were identified as most in need.

Distribution began Wednesday, February 28, but it was suspended on Friday, March 1, because of alleged irregularities.

Community members complained that the distribution process was flawed, saying it was not transparent and the food was being given to people who did not deserve it. They called for a review of the process.

In a statement released at the time of the suspension, Zulum said: “We are fully committed to ensuring the welfare of our people. We will take every step necessary to make sure the palliatives reach those who need them the most.

“We will investigate all the concerns raised, including the allegations that some people entrusted to select the deserving beneficiaries were involved in manipulating the process and selling the food.

“I have directed security agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and to ensure everyone found guilty is prosecuted accordingly.”

Bukar Talba, a member of House of Representatives for the Marte-Monguno-Nganzai federal constituency in the lower chamber of the Nigeria’s National Assembly and the chairman of the committee formed to oversee the distribution process, told RNI that of the 100,000 households identified, only about 30,000 actually received the food aid before the process was suspended.

He said there was not enough food to go round.

“That’s why we suspended the distribution. We did not have enough food for all 100,000 households. Most of the food came from other states across the country for distribution in Borno State. But there was not enough to go round.”

Instead of the distribution resuming last week, it began again on Monday, March 11.

Talba said that by late afternoon on Tuesday almost all the beneficiaries within the MMC and Jere had received their rice and maize.

The exceptions were Shehuri North and some Maiduguri wards.

He said traditional rulers were responsible for distributing food aid in those areas but there had been complaints about a lack of transparency and accountability.

“When we get approval from the Borno State governor, we will investigate the palliative distribution processes. Once complete, distribution in those areas will resume.”

Baba Shehu Abdulganiwu, vice-chairman of MMC, told RNI that appropriate measures had been put in place to ensure the aid was distributed fairly and to those identified.

“The beneficiaries have to produce their tokens which confirm they are entitled to receive the food. Anyone without a token does not get aid.

“We are now distributing the palliatives in at least four different zones and locations within the MMC and Jere. There are distribution points at the Maiduguri Stadium, Mashamari, the State Mechanical Workshop and the Federal Government College. We are trying to fast-track the process.

“We hope to conclude the distribution as soon as possible, particularly because the holy month of Ramadan has started. We are doing our best to ensure that those targeted and those who are deserving receive the palliatives.”

Most recipients were happy with the distribution process this week.

Hajja Falmata Alhaji, an elderly woman from the Old Ngomari Airport area of Maiduguri who received her food at the stadium, told RNI she was extremely happy about the distribution process and said it had been done in a transparent manner.

“I did not have to wait for too long so I didn’t waste time. I presented my permit card [the token], stood in the queue under a tree and received the food. I commend the committee for organising it. There was nothing underhand about the distribution.”

Maryam Bukar said she had not experienced any problems either.

“I stood in the queue. I got one bag of maize and one bag of rice. The process went very smoothly.

“I hope the government will continue to distribute food aid. The process was transparent and there were no challenges or problems. I am grateful to be a beneficiary. The current economic climate is crippling.

“Now that Ramadan has begun, the food could not have come at a better time. At least we will have something to eat for the next two to three months.”

SHETTIMA LAWAN MONGUNO