As part of measure to tackle rising cost of foodstuffs in the state, the Sokoto State Government has set up machinery to procure 300 truckloads of rice at subsidised rates to residents of the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Dadi Adare, while briefing newsmen after the State Executive Council meeting said, the meeting approved the purchase of 300 truckloads of rice to be made available to residents of the state at discount rate of about 45 percent compared to the market price.
“The state government under the leadership of Dr Ahmed Aliyu, as part of his administration plan to make live easy for the residents of the state decided to procure 300 truckloads of rice.
“The rice will be allocated to each ward, as we all know, that we have 244 wards in the state, each of the ward is entitled to one truckload of rice and will be made available at discount rate.
“The government will subsidise the item will about 55 percent rate. If a bag of rice is N86,000 in the market, we will make it available at between N40,000 and N45,000.
“It is going to be for everyone in the state irrespective of tribe or political affiliation, either you are from PDP, APC, Labour or even APGA; you are qualified to purchase the rice which will be at ward level,” Adare said.
He said the government has earmarked over N14 billion naira for the purchase of the rice, while assuring that a committee will be set up to monitor the exercise and ensure that its purpose is achieved.