In response to Nigeria’s prevailing economic challenges, the Sokoto State Government has inaugurated a State Monitoring Committee and Local Government Coordinators to oversee the sale of essential food items at subsidized rates.
The committee will ensure the smooth and transparent distribution and sales of food items across the state’s 23 local government areas. The committee members were selected based on their integrity and are expected to carry out their duties with fairness and transparency.
The initiative aims to alleviate the hardships citizens face due to the removal of fuel subsidies and other economic reforms.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu, speaking during the inauguration of the committee, headed by Chiso Abdullahi, a former Deputy Governor of the state, highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting that it was necessary due to the economic difficulties caused by global financial shifts and recent national policies.
He acknowledged that while the federal and state governments have implemented various palliative measures, including free food distribution and subsidized transportation services, the current economic situation requires further action.
Under the new initiative, the state government has procured food items and other essential commodities to be sold at a 55% discounted rate, making them accessible to families across all 244 wards of the state. The government is committed to sustaining this initiative until there is a noticeable improvement in the national economic situation.
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Aliyu urged wealthy individuals and corporate bodies in the state to support and complement the government’s efforts by extending similar provisions to the needy in their communities. He emphasized the Islamic principle of charity and the rewards associated with helping the less privileged.
The governor reaffirmed his confidence in the committee, stressing that their performance will be closely monitored to ensure they uphold the trust placed in them. The initiative is set to take immediate effect, and the government assured that it remains open to addressing any challenges that may arise during the process.
Responding on behalf of other members of the committee, Chiso assured the governor of the transparent distribution of the items saying, “We have good names to protect and we will no be found wanting in the discharge of this responsibility.”
The event was attended by dignitaries and community leaders from across the state, who commended the government’s efforts in addressing the economic challenges facing Sokoto residents.
