By Musa Ubandawaki in Sokoto

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State on Monday inaugurated a special committee tasked with overseeing the sale of rice and other essential commodities at subsidized rates.

The initiative is part of the state government’s effort to alleviate the economic hardship currently facing residents.

Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Aliyu emphasized that the goal of the initiative is to ensure that the rice and other essential commodities reach the intended beneficiaries without bias based on tribe, religion, or political affiliation.

“The state government, recognizing the economic challenges experienced across the country, has purchased N14 billion worth of rice to be sold at a subsidized price of N40,000 per 50kg bag,” the governor said.

He expressed concern over the rising cost of living, stating, “My administration is deeply troubled by the current economic hardship experienced by the people, especially in Sokoto State. I will do everything within my power to ensure the welfare of the people by providing essential commodities to cushion the impact of the harsh economic environment.”

Governor Aliyu also noted that the initiative will be implemented across all 244 wards in the state. “This is a historic and much-needed intervention, aimed at providing rice to the people of Sokoto State at a subsidized rate of N40,000 per 50kg bag,” he added, underscoring the timeliness of the program given the economic challenges facing the nation and Sokoto in particular.

He further explained that the intervention will help stabilize food prices, particularly rice, and ease the financial burden on households. “This initiative was made possible through the state’s financial commitment, and it is aimed at ensuring that our people do not go to bed hungry.”

The governor acknowledged the potential difficulties in distributing the food and assured that a multi-disciplinary team would be deployed to ensure transparency and fairness. “Intending beneficiaries will be carefully verified to prevent fraud and ensure that the commodities reach those most in need,” he stated.

Governor Aliyu urged citizens to cooperate with government agencies facilitating the process, adding that the injection of subsidized rice into the market would help lower the prices of other essential commodities as well.

In his remarks, the chairman of the main committee, Alhaji Chuso Abdullahi Dattijo, promised that the committee would work diligently to achieve the program’s objectives. “We are committed to ensuring that middlemen do not interfere in the sale of commodities meant for the less privileged and vulnerable members of society,” Dattijo said.

He assured that the committee would adhere to the guidelines and terms of reference set by the state government and would work closely with security agencies to monitor the distribution process.

Each of the 244 political wards in Sokoto State is expected to receive 600 bags of rice, to be sold at a 55% subsidy. Dattijo also urged banks to ensure that all sales proceeds are properly lodged into designated accounts, emphasizing the importance of transparency throughout the process.