The Sokoto State House of Assembly has endorsed the continuation of subsidised food supply and other commodities to the people of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the assembly also approved that a commendation letter be written to Governor Ahmed Aliyu for the bold step taken to ameliorate the plights of the common people.
NAN recalls that the state government had recently procured and disbursed foodstuff to the people of the state at subsidised rates.
The approval of the letter followed a motion of urgent public importance presented by Alhaji Abubakar Shehu (APC-Yabo) and seconded by Shehu Aliyu (APC-Wurno) during the assembly’s plenary session on Thursday.
Shehu said that the motion was driven by the governor’s efforts to mitigate the suffering of the people in the state.
“We are all aware that our nation is currently grappling with economic challenges, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to meet their daily needs.
“The rising cost of living has left many vulnerable members of society struggling to put food on the table,” he said.
Shehu explained that the government has provided assorted rice at subsidised rates across the 244 wards of the state’s 23 Local Government Areas.
“The initiative is part of the state government’s commitment aimed at alleviating the current economic hardship in the state.
“The governor has assured that the programme will be sustained as a revolving fund scheme, meaning the initiative will continue until further notice,” Shehu added.
He said at the first phase of the project, each of the 244 wards received 600 bags of 50kg rice, subsidised at N38,700, compared to the market price of N65,000 to N70,000.
“This subsidised foodstuff also include; 25kg bags at N19,500 instead of N35,000, and 10kg bags at N7,740 instead of N14,000 as launched by the governor.
“The gesture will greatly benefit the people and help stabilise market prices, and ensure affordability,” Shehu said.
The Speaker, Alhaji Tukur Bala, put the motion to a voice vote, and it was unanimously approved by the members.
In a related development, the assembly adopted a motion for the rehabilitation of livestock water pools in Mayankan Rogo, Agge, and Na Gwamja communities in Goronyo LGA.
The motion, moved by Alhaji Nasiru Adamu (PDP-Goronyo) and seconded by Alhaji Abdullahi Zakari (APC-Rabah), highlighted the importance of the water pools for boosting socio-economic activities in the affected areas.
“This is in line with the present administration’s efforts to improve the living standards of its people,” Adamu said.
NAN.