The Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Sokoto, has launched a special food subsidy initiative tagged “Shagon Sauki Na Amadun Alu”, targeted at civil servants, local government employees, and pensioners across the state.
The programme, which translates to “Discount Shop of the Aliyu Administration”, is designed to provide essential food items at significantly reduced prices, in response to the skyrocketing cost of living triggered by the removal of fuel subsidy.
Flagging off the initiative in Sokoto on Wednesday, Aliyu said the intervention underscores his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of low-income earners and retirees.
“This programme aims to reduce the financial strain on our people by offering staple food items—rice, millet, wheat, cooking oil, and spaghetti at subsidised rates,” the governor declared.
Under the scheme, the government is subsidising prices by 20 per cent.
“For instance, a 50kg bag of Dangote rice that sells for ₦75,000 in the open market will now be sold at ₦60,000, while locally refined rice will cost ₦50,400 instead of ₦63,000. Millet (100kg) will be priced at ₦52,000 rather than ₦65,000, and a gallon of cooking oil will drop to ₦13,240 from ₦16,550,” he noted.
The initial rollout covers six local government areas, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Wamakko, Bodinga, Dange Shuni, and Kware, while the remaining 17 councils are slated for subsequent phases.
Aliyu clarified that the programme is not intended to compete with local traders but to offer temporary relief to the most vulnerable segments of society.
He lauded Sokoto’s trading community for their continued support and urged residents to take ownership of the initiative.
He also credited Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State for inspiring the idea, saying, “Malam Namadi not only supported this concept but encouraged me to establish it for the benefit of our people.”
The governor extended appreciation to the state’s Committee on Sales of Food Items and Essential Commodities for coordinating the distribution, acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nationwide intervention efforts aimed at mitigating the impact of economic reforms.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-centred policies.
He stated, “This is more than just a government project; it is a community-driven solution for the collective well-being of our citizens.”
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