In a move to ease the financial burden on residents during Ramadan, the Niger State Government has announced plans to deploy 1,000 trucks loaded with assorted grains at subsidized rates across the state’s 25 Local Government Areas.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, popularly known as Farmer Bago, unveiled the initiative during a stakeholders’ meeting at Government House in Minna.
He emphasized that the engagement aimed to develop effective strategies for reducing food prices during the holy month.
To oversee the distribution process, two distinct committees will be established in each Local Government Area. One committee, comprising members from the formal sector, will manage sales to civil servants, while the other, which will include religious and traditional leaders alongside market organisers, will coordinate sales for the wider public.
The Governor further indicated that sales at subsidised rates will be conducted on a quarterly basis to ensure that affordable food remains accessible to all. Highlighting the state’s agricultural success, he revealed that revenues from the agriculture and livestock sectors have reached 50 billion Naira, underscoring the significant potential of the sector.
In a related development, Governor Bago disclosed that a surplus of 5 billion Naira, accumulated through stringent cost-saving measures, is being allocated towards the construction of new hospitals to benefit the populace. He urged all individuals involved in the distribution process to act with the utmost integrity, cautioning that any misconduct would be dealt with severely.
Committees tasked with overseeing the operation are expected to finalise their implementation templates within the coming week, ahead of the food items’ release.
The stakeholder meeting saw the participation of representatives from the Imam Forum, NLC leadership, Local Government Council Chairmen, Secretaries of the eight Emirates, as well as delegates from the All Progressives Congress and various market associations.
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