The Sokoto State Government has announced plans to offer rice to residents at a discount price in order to alleviate the rising cost of foodstuff.
The state’s Commissioner for Local Government, Ibrahim Adare, disclosed this after the State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, stating that the government will procure 300 truckloads of rice to be sold at subsidized rates.
Adare emphasized that the government, under the leadership of Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, is deeply concerned about the economic challenges facing the people of Sokoto. To address this, the state has approved the purchase of rice to be distributed across the 244 wards at a 55% discount from the current market price.
“The state government has decided to procure 300 truckloads of rice, which will be allocated to each ward. The rice will be made available to residents at a rate significantly lower than the market price. For example, if a bag of rice costs N86,000 in the market, we will offer it for between N40,000 and N45,000,” Adare explained.
The initiative is designed to benefit all residents, regardless of their tribe or political affiliation. “Whether you are from PDP, APC, Labour, or even APGA, you are qualified to purchase the rice at the ward level,” Adare added.
The state government has earmarked over N14 billion for the purchase of the rice. A committee will be established to oversee the distribution process, ensuring that the rice reaches the intended beneficiaries and the program’s objectives are fully realized.
