By Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has commenced the sale of rice, millet and maize at subsidised prices across the state’s 23 local government areas as part of measures to cushion residents against rising food prices.
The programme, which offers the commodities at about 50 per cent below their procurement prices, was formally flagged off by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, on behalf of the Federal Government.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the state government had procured 550 truckloads of rice, millet and maize at a total cost of N9.078 billion, including logistics.
He said a bag of rice purchased by the government at N53,737 would be sold to residents for N30,000, while millet and maize bought at N43,625 per bag would each be sold for N25,000.
According to the governor, the intervention is expected to generate about N4.539 billion from the subsidised sales, while providing residents with access to essential food commodities at significantly reduced prices.
Aliyu said between 12 and 16 trucks would be allocated to each local government area, depending on population and geographical size.
He added that coordinators had been deployed across the state to monitor the distribution and ensure transparency, accountability and equitable access to the commodities.
The governor said the programme was open to civil servants, local government employees, Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) workers, pensioners and other residents, regardless of political affiliation.
He explained that the initiative would complement the existing Shagon Sauki na Ahmad Aliyu programme, under which lower-cadre workers obtain essential food commodities and repay the cost through salary deductions at the end of the month.
Aliyu stressed that the intervention was not designed to compete with traders but to provide relief to low-income earners while supporting food producers and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
He warned against the diversion, hoarding, sabotage or unauthorised sale of the subsidised commodities, directing security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the programme’s guidelines.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic reforms, saying the Sokoto Government would continue to support policies aimed at strengthening the economy and improving citizens’ living conditions.
Bagudu Commends Sokoto Intervention
Speaking at the event, Bagudu commended Governor Aliyu for introducing what he described as a timely and people-oriented intervention.
The minister said access to affordable food was fundamental to citizens’ welfare and formed part of the government’s responsibility under Section 16(a) of the 1999 Constitution.
He noted that food security went beyond agricultural production, stressing the importance of efficient distribution and affordability.
Bagudu attributed the pressure on food prices to a combination of global factors, including conflicts in the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine war, international trade tensions, energy costs and rising fertiliser prices.
He said the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration had increased federal allocations to states, urging state governments to deploy the additional resources effectively to address economic challenges and provide relief to citizens.
The minister described Governor Aliyu as a bold and focused leader committed to the development of Sokoto State. He also commended Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for his leadership and contributions to the state’s political development.
Committee Assures Residents of Transparency
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, was mandated to support food security through the provision of essential commodities at subsidised prices and the supervision of agricultural input distribution.
He listed the distribution of fertilisers and improved seeds, irrigation support, and agricultural empowerment programmes for women and youths among the state’s interventions.
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.
Jabbi urged those entrusted with the distribution of the commodities to discharge their responsibilities with the fear of Allah and ensure that the food reached the intended beneficiaries without discrimination, diversion or hoarding.
He commended the state government’s development programmes under its 9-Point SMART Agenda and prayed for continued peace, stability and prosperity in Sokoto State.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders and other stakeholders.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
