Sokoto unveils subsidised rice sale at ₦38,700 per 50kg to alleviate hardship

The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, on Wednesday, launched the sale of subsidised food items, including a 50-kilogram bag of rice priced at ₦38,700.

Speaking at the launch, held at the Kware Local Government premises in Kware town, Aliyu stated that the initiative aims to ease the burden on the people, particularly those at the grassroots level. To achieve this, the state government approved a substantial 55% discount on each commodity.

The governor stressed that the sale should be open to all, without any conditions such as political affiliation or social status.

He explained, “A 50kg bag of rice will be sold for ₦38,700, while the 25kg bag will cost ₦19,350, and the 10kg bag will be available for ₦7,740.

“We have also instructed the committee overseeing the sales to accommodate those who cannot afford these larger quantities by allowing them to purchase smaller portions.”

Aliyu further noted that the government is not seeking to collect the proceeds from the sales. Instead, a special account will be opened to deposit the funds, which will be used to purchase more foodstuffs and continue the project. The state government has spent ₦14.488 billion on the initiative, procuring 280 trailers of rice, with each ward in the state entitled to one truck, equivalent to 600 bags of rice.

The governor commended the leader of the state’s ruling party and former governor, Aliyu Wamakko, for his guidance and support, which he said has been crucial to the success of his administration.

He assured the public that adequate measures are in place to ensure the initiative achieves its intended purpose.

Earlier, the chairman of the committee, Chiso Dattijo, reassured the governor that due process would be followed in distributing the rice. He added that, with the launch, the rice is now available for purchase at designated locations across the 242 wards in the state.

Also speaking, the coordinator of the project in Kware Local Government, Professor Malami Maishanu of Usman Danfodiyo University, urged residents to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the state government. He praised the government for implementing a policy aimed at benefiting those at the grassroots.