As part of the federal government’s palliative measures to ease the economic hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidies, 12,367 bags of rice were handed over to the Sokoto State government.
The presentation was made by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, alongside Ibrahim Masari, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Political Matters, during a ceremony on Thursday.
Minister Bagudu highlighted that this distribution is part of President Tinubu’s initiative to provide support to states, aimed at alleviating the economic impact of the fuel subsidy removal. He further noted that in addition to rice, the federal government had previously distributed fertilizers, grains, and other essential food items, while also extending support for transportation, housing, and other key sectors.
Addressing the wider economic situation, Bagudu pointed out that the current challenges facing Nigeria are part of a global crisis, driven by factors such as conflicts, climate change, and poor demographic planning.
Masari emphasized that President Tinubu’s administration has introduced several strategic measures to help Nigerians cope with the economic situation and improve their overall welfare. He described the current difficulties as temporary, assuring that long-term socioeconomic plans are in place to stabilize the country. Masari called on Nigerians to be patient and supportive of Tinubu’s policies, which he described as a renewed hope for national development.
Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto praised President Tinubu’s leadership and pledged his administration’s support to ease the suffering of the citizens, while also ensuring infrastructural development across the state. He revealed that Sokoto had already received 60 trucks of fertilizer and 20 trucks of grains, which were distributed free of charge to citizens across all 23 local government areas.
Additionally, Governor Aliyu announced that the state government procured 12,367 bags of rice for free distribution, while a portion of the rice is being sold at subsidized prices to ease the burden on the people. He also noted that 9,200 bags of rice, along with a financial stipend of N5,000, were distributed to vulnerable groups and internally displaced persons through the Zakkat and Endowment Commission.
In an effort to improve transportation, the Sokoto administration has procured 120 vehicles for inter-state, township, and local government transport systems, along with 1,000 motorcycles and 100 tricycles designated for youth employment initiatives.
