Hunger: Sokoto to subsidise rice with N14bn

The Sokoto State government has approved over N14 billion for the purchase of 300 trucks of rice, which will be sold to the public at subsidised rates to alleviate the current economic hardships.

Ibrahim Gyade Asare, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, announced the initiative after the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, on Wednesday.

Asare explained that the move aims to mitigate the impact of the ongoing economic difficulties.

Under the plan, each of Sokoto’s 244 wards will receive one truck of rice, which will be available in 50-kilogram, 25-kilogram, and 10-kilogram bags.

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“The rice will be sold at significantly reduced prices. For example, if the market price for a bag of rice is N84,000, it will be offered at N42,000 through this subsidised programme,” he said.

Asare emphasised that the rice distribution will be conducted impartially, without political considerations.