Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has said his administration procured 550 truckloads of rice, millet and maize at a total cost of ₦9.078 billion, inclusive of logistics, for sale to residents at subsidised prices across the 23 local government areas of the state.
Governor Aliyu made the disclosure in Bodinga Local Government Area of the state during the flag-off of the subsidised sale programme by the Special Guest of Honour, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
He said the intervention was designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship, reduce the burden of rising food prices and make essential commodities more affordable and accessible, particularly to low-income and vulnerable households.
Under the programme, a bag of rice procured by the state government at ₦53,375 will be sold to residents for ₦30,000, representing a subsidy of ₦23,375 per bag.
Similarly, bags of millet and maize procured at ₦43,625 each will be sold for ₦25,000, representing a subsidy of ₦18,625 per bag.
The Governor explained that, upon completion of the exercise, the state government is expected to recover approximately ₦4.539 billion, representing 50 per cent of the total procurement cost, while the remaining ₦4.539 billion, also representing 50 per cent, constitutes the subsidy borne by the state government.
He further explained that each local government area would receive between 12 and 16 trucks, depending on its population and size, to ensure equitable distribution of the commodities across the state.
Governor Aliyu stressed that the programme was carefully designed to support residents without undermining the activities of traders.
He said the intervention was intended to complement the efforts of traders by ensuring that essential food items were available to consumers at affordable prices, particularly during the current period of economic hardship.
The Governor commended traders across the state who had responded positively to government appeals to reduce the prices of essential commodities, particularly during periods of increased demand.
He said the initiative was part of his administration’s broader efforts to strengthen food security, cushion economic hardship and improve the welfare of citizens under the Nine-Point SMART Agenda.
Governor Aliyu directed officials and local government coordinators involved in the exercise to ensure transparency and accountability, stressing that the commodities must reach the intended beneficiaries.
He warned against diversion, manipulation or abuse of the programme and urged all those entrusted with its implementation to strictly adhere to the approved guidelines.
Flagging off the programme, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, commended Governor Aliyu for initiating what he described as a timely and people-oriented intervention.
Bagudu said he was deeply honoured to have been invited to Sokoto and given the opportunity to participate in the programme and perform the flag-off.
He noted that making essential food commodities available at affordable prices was critical to food security and the wellbeing of citizens, stressing that food security went beyond production to include distribution, marketing and affordability.
The Minister explained that food security was a shared responsibility of the three tiers of government, with the Federal, State and Local Governments all having important roles to play.
He noted that global developments, including international conflicts, fluctuations in energy and fertiliser prices, trade tensions and domestic economic reforms, had continued to put pressure on food production, distribution and prices.
Bagudu commended the Sokoto State Government for responding to these challenges by supporting food producers and traders while ensuring that commodities reached consumers at affordable prices.
He said the approach demonstrated the important role of government in balancing support for food production and trade with the need to protect consumers from the impact of rising prices.
The Minister also commended Governor Aliyu for the achievements recorded by his administration over the past three years, saying he was proud to be associated with the progress made in Sokoto State.
Bagudu further commended Governor,Dr Ahmed Aliyu and the state APC leader Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for their contributions to national development and unity, as well as their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Sales of Food Items and Other Essential Commodities Committee, Alhaji Chuso Abdullahi Dattijo, said the programme was part of Governor Aliyu’s efforts to make essential commodities available to residents at affordable prices.
Dattijo recalled that Governor Aliyu inaugurated the committee on October 13, 2024, and said monitoring mechanisms had been put in place to ensure that the commodities reached the intended beneficiaries.
He urged local government coordinators to ensure that vulnerable and less-privileged residents benefited from the exercise.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mustapha Alkali, commended Governor Aliyu for approving the initiative and for his continued commitment to the welfare of the people.
He said the programme would help make essential food items more affordable, reduce hunger and cushion the effects of rising food prices, particularly among vulnerable households.
The District Head of Kilgori, Dr. Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto, conveyed the Sultan’s goodwill to Governor Aliyu and congratulated him on the successful completion of three years in office.
He urged the Governor to sustain his administration’s development programmes and assured him of the support and cooperation of traditional rulers across the state.
Dr. Jabbi Kilgori also urged officials handling the subsidised commodities to discharge their responsibilities with the fear of Allah and ensure that the food items reached the intended beneficiaries.
He prayed for continued guidance and success for Governor Aliyu and prosperity for the people of Sokoto State.
The intervention is expected to provide relief to residents across Sokoto State by making essential food commodities available at substantially reduced prices, particularly for vulnerable and low-income households
By Muhammad Gazali Garba
