Sokoto State launches N9.078bn subsidized food sale program

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, has officially flagged off a N9.078 billion subsidized food sale program in Sokoto State. The initiative, launched in the Bodinga Local Government Area, aims to provide essential commodities such as rice, millet, and maize to residents at reduced prices to mitigate the impact of rising food costs and economic hardship.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu stated that the program is designed to support low-income earners, rural dwellers, and vulnerable households. For example, a bag of rice procured by the state government for N53,375 will be sold to residents for N30,000. The state government also purchased these items directly from local peasant farmers to help boost regional agricultural economic activity.

Minister Bagudu commended the state government's approach, noting that food security requires a combination of production, distribution, and affordability. He urged other Nigerian governors to emulate Sokoto’s model of intervening to protect consumers from price fluctuations caused by global conflicts, energy costs, and domestic economic reforms.