Sokoto: New scheme debuts to ease economic burden on civil servants, pensioners
Rakiya A.Muhammad
The Sokoto State Government has launched an initiative to alleviate the economic burdens faced by its people, particularly in the aftermath of the removal of fuel subsidies, which has led to a surge in the cost of essential commodities.
On Wednesday, the Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Na Madi, flagged off the Shagon Sauki Na Amadun Alu initiative in Sokoto.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Ahmad Aliyu announced a 20% subsidy on all purchases made through the programme, adding that it specifically targeted State civil servants, local government staff, and pensioners.
“The flagship initiative is a palliative response aimed at ensuring that basic food items are made available at highly subsidised rates, “he stated.
“It is a strategic and deliberate investment geared towards improving the well-being of our people.”
He emphasised that, under his leadership, the Sokoto State Government remained steadfast in its commitment to alleviating hardship and promoting the welfare of its people.
The Governor added that the initiative would commence with essential food items, such as rice, millet, wheat, cooking oil, and spaghetti, commodities commonly consumed by many households, guaranteeing food security.
According to him, the initial rollout covered six local Governments: Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Wamakko, Bodinga, Dange Shuni, and Kware, and they would soon cover the remaining 17 local governments.
He explained that ‘Shagon Sauki’ was not in competition with traders but rather an initiative by the government to assist its people, especially low-income earners.
The Sokoto Governor commended those he described as patriotic traders who, on several occasions, had listened to his passionate appeal to slash prices of essential commodities during fasting and other festive seasons.
He thanked the Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Na Madi, for inspiring him to establish the initiative.
Governor Aliyu encouraged members of the public to support the sustainability of the effort. “This is not just a government program; it is a community-driven intervention for the good of all.”
He assured the people that his administration would continue prioritising them through various initiatives to make life meaningful.
The Governor appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for all the social intervention programmes he has introduced to cushion the effects of removing oil subsidies.
“No doubt these programmes have impacted positively on the lives of many Nigerians through job creation and self-reliance,” he noted.
