By Buhari Abubakar Hussaini
The sale of rice, millet and maize at subsidised prices has been commenced across the 23 Local Government Areas of Sokoto State as part of measures being taken to cushion the impact of rising food prices on residents.
The programme was formally flagged off by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, on behalf of the Federal Government.
At the ceremony, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said 550 trucks of the commodities had been procured at a total cost of ₦9.078 billion, including logistics.
Under the programme, a bag of rice purchased at ₦53,737 would be sold to beneficiaries for ₦30,000, while millet and maize bought at ₦43,625 per bag would each be sold for ₦25,000.
About ₦4.539 billion is expected to be realised from the sales, according to the governor.
Between 12 and 16 trucks would be allocated to each local government area, based on population and geographical size, while coordinators have been deployed to supervise the distribution and ensure transparency and accountability.
Civil servants, local government workers, LGEA staff, pensioners and other residents are eligible to benefit from the intervention, irrespective of political affiliation.
The programme is expected to complement the existing Shagon Sauki na Ahmad Aliyu initiative, under which lower-cadre workers are provided with essential food commodities and allowed to repay the cost through salary deductions at the end of the month.
Governor Aliyu said the intervention was designed to provide relief to low-income earners without competing with traders, while also supporting food producers and traders.
Strict warnings have been issued against diversion, hoarding, sabotage and unauthorised sale of the subsidised commodities. Security agencies have been directed to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the guidelines.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic reforms and pledged the continued support of the Sokoto State Government for policies aimed at strengthening the economy and improving citizens’ welfare.
Speaking at the event, Senator Bagudu described the intervention as timely and people-oriented, stressing that access to affordable food was essential to citizens’ welfare and part of government’s responsibility under Section 16(a) of the 1999 Constitution.
He noted that food security was not limited to agricultural production, but also involved effective distribution and affordability.
The minister attributed the pressure on food prices to global factors, including conflicts in the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine war, international trade tensions, energy costs and fertiliser prices.
He said increased federal allocations to states had resulted from the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration, urging state governments to use the additional resources to address economic challenges and provide relief to citizens.
Governor Aliyu was also commended by the minister for what was described as bold and focused leadership in Sokoto State, while Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko was praised for his leadership and contributions to the state’s political development.
Earlier, a member of the committee supervising the programme and Commissioner of the National Population Commission, Chuso Abdullahi Dattijo, assured residents that the distribution process would be closely monitored.
Dattijo said the committee, inaugurated on October 14, 2024, had been mandated to support food security through the provision of essential commodities at subsidised prices and the supervision of agricultural input distribution.
He said the state’s interventions also included the distribution of fertiliser and improved seeds, irrigation support, and agricultural empowerment programmes for women and youths.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the District Head of Kilgori, Sa’in Kilgori Muhammadu Jabbi, conveyed the monarch’s support for the initiative.
He urged those entrusted with the distribution of the commodities to discharge their responsibilities with the fear of Allah and ensure that the food items reached the intended beneficiaries without discrimination, diversion or hoarding.
The initiative was commended as part of the Sokoto State Government’s development programmes under the 9-Point SMART Agenda, with prayers offered for continued peace, stability and prosperity in the state.The ceremony was attended by Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders and other stakeholders.
ALSO READ: Banditry Becoming Organic in Affected Communities, Says ACF Spokesman
