The Sokoto State Government has launched a N1 billion subsidised foodstuff initiative aimed at providing affordable commodities to civil servants and low-income earners in six local government areas across the state.
Speaking at a training session for shop facilitators on Monday, the Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Dadi-Adare, emphasised that the programme was designed to improve the welfare of workers.
Dadi-Adare urged facilitators to maintain transparency and follow established guidelines to support the success and sustainability of the programme.
He also highlighted that the administration under Gov. Ahmad Aliyu had invested significantly in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and water supply, while also addressing security challenges.
The commissioner noted that the government had rolled out various palliative measures, including the subsidised sale of rice, free distribution of agricultural inputs, and substantial investments in security.
In his address, the Committee Chairman, Chiso Dattijo, revealed that the pilot phase of the initiative targeted state and local government employees, as well as primary school teachers.
He said that the six local government areas selected for the pilot were Dange Shuni, Wamakko, Bodinga, Kware, Sokoto North, and Sokoto South, with plans to expand to other areas.
Dattijo stated that each worker would be entitled to purchase commodities worth up to 30 per cent of their monthly salary, with a limit of N15,000 in the following weeks.
He said a consultant had been hired to manage the online platforms, handle credit card issuance, process payments, and carry out biometric registrations.
He further noted that the stores were stocked and that commodities would soon be available for purchase.
“Only registered individuals will be allowed to buy the items, and deductions will be made directly from workers’ salaries through the Ministry of Finance.”
Dattijo urged workers to cooperate with the managers, visit the stores in person, and report any irregularities to the committee.
NAN
