Sokoto Begins sale of Foodstuffs with 50% subsidy
Sokoto Begins sale of Foodstuffs with 50% subsidy 
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has commenced the sale of rice, millet and maize at subsidised prices across the 23 local government areas of the state to cushion residents against the rising cost of food.
Flagging off the programme, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu said the government had procured 550 trucks of the commodities at a total cost of ₦9.078 billion, including logistics. He said a bag of rice purchased at ₦53,737 would be sold for ₦30,000, while millet and maize bought at ₦43,625 per bag would each be sold for ₦25,000.
The governor said the intervention would enable residents to access essential food commodities at substantially reduced prices, adding that the state was expected to realise about ₦4.539 billion from the sales.
He explained that between 12 and 16 trucks would be allocated to each local government area, depending on population and geographical size, while coordinators had been deployed across the state to ensure transparent distribution and accountability.
According to him, the programme is open to civil servants, local government workers, LGEA staff, pensioners and other residents, irrespective of political affiliation.
Aliyu said the initiative would complement the existing Shagon Sauki na Ahmad Aliyu programme, through which lower-cadre workers obtain essential food commodities and repay the cost through salary deductions at the end of the month.
The governor stressed that the intervention was not intended to compete with traders but to provide relief to low-income earners while supporting food producers and traders.
He warned against diversion, hoarding, sabotage and unauthorised sale of the subsidised commodities, directing security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the guidelines.
Aliyu also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic reforms, saying the Sokoto State Government would continue to support policies aimed at strengthening the economy and improving the living conditions of citizens.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, who formally flagged off the sales, commended Governor Aliyu for introducing what he described as a timely and people-oriented intervention.
Bagudu said 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 involved not only production but also 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 President Tinubu’s economic reforms had resulted in increased federal allocations to states, urging state governments to utilise the additional resources to address economic challenges and provide relief to citizens.
Bagudu described Governor Aliyu as a bold and focused leader committed to the development of Sokoto State, while commending Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko 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, was mandated to support food security through the provision of essential commodities at subsidised prices and supervision of agricultural input distribution.
He listed fertiliser and improved seed distribution, 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 handling 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.
He commended the state government’s development programmes under the 9-Point SMART Agenda and prayed for continued peace, stability and prosperity in Sokoto State.
The ceremony was attended by Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders and other stakeholders.
