The Sokoto State House of Assembly has formally endorsed the continuation of subsidized food and essential commodities for the residents of the state, a decision aimed at easing the financial burdens faced by its citizens amid the nation's ongoing economic challenges.
The resolution by the assembly shows its acknowledgment of the efforts led by Governor Ahmed Aliyu to alleviate the hardships experienced by the people of Sokoto State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN ) the Assembly not only supported the sustained provision of subsidized goods but also approved a recommendation for a formal commendation letter to be sent to Governor Aliyu.
The letter, proposed during the Assembly's plenary session on Thursday, praised the governor for his proactive response in mitigating the economic difficulties confronting the state’s population. The motion, titled "urgent public importance," was presented by Alhaji Abubakar Shehu (APC-Yabo) and seconded by Shehu Aliyu (APC-Wurno), who both commended the governor’s interventions as timely and critical.
According to Shehu, the state government recently procured and distributed various foodstuffs at subsidized rates to ease the rising cost of living, especially for vulnerable households.
In his speech, Shehu emphasized, "We are all aware that our nation is currently grappling with economic challenges, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to meet their daily needs. This initiative is part of the state government’s commitment to alleviate the financial strain on the people of Sokoto."
As part of this initiative, it was learnt that the government distributed subsidized rice in all 244 wards across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas. Each ward received 600 bags of 50kg rice, sold at N38,700 per bag, compared to the prevailing market price of between N65,000 and N70,000. Additional subsidized options included 25kg bags at N19,500 instead of N35,000, and 10kg bags priced at N7,740, a marked reduction from the market price of N14,000.
Governor Aliyu has affirmed that the subsidized food program will be sustained through a revolving fund scheme, ensuring the initiative continues indefinitely. Shehu further noted, “The governor’s approach will stabilize market prices, promote affordability, and provide significant relief to the people."
The motion received unanimous support from the Assembly members, with Speaker Alhaji Tukur Bala leading the approval process through a voice vote.
In related proceedings, the Assembly adopted another motion, led by Alhaji Nasiru Adamu (PDP-Goronyo), for rehabilitating livestock water pools in Goronyo LGA’s Mayankan Rogo, Agge, and Na Gwamja communities.
The initiative aims to enhance socio-economic activities, benefiting local livestock management and agricultural productivity, aligning with the administration’s broader mission to improve living standards across Sokoto State.
