Sokoto Govt Launches N1 Billion Food Subsidy for Workers

The Sokoto State government has launched a N1 billion subsidized food scheme aimed at providing affordable foodstuff to civil servants and low-income earners across six local government areas in the state. The initiative, announced by the Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Dadi-Adare, during a training session for shop facilitators, is designed to ease the financial burden of purchasing essential food items, particularly for government workers.

Dadi-Adare emphasized the importance of transparency in the program’s implementation and urged facilitators to adhere to set guidelines to ensure its success. The initiative will primarily target state and local government employees, including primary school teachers, to mitigate the effects of rising food prices. It is expected to improve the welfare of public workers, offering them essential food items at affordable prices.

The initial rollout of the scheme will cover six local government areas: Dange Shuni, Wamakko, Bodinga, Kware, Sokoto North, and Sokoto South, with plans for future expansion. Workers enrolled in the program will be able to purchase food worth up to 30% of their monthly salary, with a cap of N15,000 per worker. The scheme will be managed through a digital platform, which will include biometric registration for verification and credit card issuance for transactions. Sales will begin shortly, with participating stores stocked with essential commodities.

Only registered beneficiaries will be able to make purchases, with payments deducted directly from workers’ salaries through the Ministry of Finance to ensure accountability. Beneficiaries are encouraged to visit the designated outlets in person, cooperate with store managers, and report any issues to the implementation committee for swift resolution. The program is expected to provide much-needed relief to workers amid rising food prices, improving their access to necessary food items while supporting the state’s efforts to enhance the welfare of its public servants.