FG reveals protocol for palliative distribution

Yilwatda’s recommendations come in the wake of recent stampedes that claimed lives during palliative distribution events in Abuja, Ibadan, and Anambra.

Speaking in an interview today, the minister emphasized the need for proper event registration, police involvement, risk assessments, and vulnerability checks, among other measures.

“First, I want to sympathize with the families and the nation over the lives lost. As a government, we are deeply saddened by these incidents,” Yilwatda said.

“However, we must address the safety measures that should be implemented moving forward.”

He highlighted the ministry’s experience in food distribution, noting their ability to avoid such tragedies even in challenging conditions, such as at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

“We distribute food more than any organization, often in more desperate areas, but we never experience stampedes because we follow strict protocols.”

Yilwatda criticized the lack of planning in some recent events. “You can’t simply announce open palliative distributions in densely populated areas. For instance, in Ibadan with over 2 million people, you invite 5,000 to collect food, or in Abuja, you expect 2,000 beneficiaries from a population of 2–3 million. It’s chaotic, and social media exacerbates the problem by attracting more people.”

He recommended pre-registration of beneficiaries, selecting appropriate distribution points, involving law enforcement, conducting risk assessments, and vulnerability checks to mitigate such risks.

Yilwatda further urged state and local governments to adopt federal protocols for such events.

“State governments must domesticate these guidelines. Local governments, too, as most events occur at these levels. At the federal level, we have limited direct control over events,” he explained.

He also called on police to enforce these measures and penalize violations.

“Organizers should inform security agencies about their plans, including locations, expected attendees, and beneficiary lists. Together with the police, venues should be chosen, crowd management teams established, and security protocols enforced.”

Additionally, Yilwatda advised organizers lacking resources to implement these protocols to seek support from the federal government.

In response to the recent Abuja stampede, authorities have called for ,
calm while ensuring the injured receive treatment.