AKSG ASSURES OF TRANSPARENCY IN FOOD SUBSIDY IMPLEMENTATION
As the bill for an act to establish the Akwa Ibom State bulk purchase agency awaits Governor Umo Eno’s assent on Thursday, citizens have again be assured of transparency in the implementation process of the food subsidy initiative.
The Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Emem Bob while giving the assurance in a live television interview in Uyo, said the initiative designed to cushion the effect of high cost of living on the citizenry, will witness the distribution of vouchers to the targeted beneficiaries, through the Personal Assistants to the Governor, across the 368 wards of the state.
Speaking on the progress of the proposed agency, Mr Bob said the state government having met with the leadership of the Traders, is currently selecting the agents for accreditation.
“The agency when constituted will involve competent traders who after capacity validation, will be chosen to man branded shops and redemption centers located in select markets across the 31 local government areas of the State.
“The agents will not be an all-comers affairs, they will be thoroughly selected. After validation, all accredited agents will be made to sign an agreement with the bulk purchase agency while their names will be duly published for the masses to know. Like in the AK-CARES program, the social register will be used, therefore, there will be no room for ‘man know man’.
“Also, the state government is planning to have a buffer warehouse where food will be bought and stocked against anybody that would want to sabotage the good intention of the government. The government is not coming to crash prices for other traders, rather we are going to work with them.
“For the accredited agents, there is also some incentives in place for them. During reconciliation of vouchers, a certain percentage will be made available to them as motivation in addition to their other entitlement.
“There is enough plan on ground for public enlightenment. By the time this initiative is launched, the entire Akwa Ibom will be proud of the man the voted as the Governor”, said Mr Bob.
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