From Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
Jigawa State Givernor, Umar Namadi, on Wednesday, 25 June 2025 flagged off the opening what the Sokoto State government tagged Palliative Shops (Shagun Sauki Na Ahmadun Alu programme) to serve the less-privileged in the state.
Namadi launched the subsidized shop at Gidan Haki, Sokoto North local government.
In his welcome address, the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, said “the initiative, a people-centered programme, was designed by this administration to ease the economic burdens faced by our citizens, especially in the wake of recent fuel subsidy removal which led to rising cost of essential commodities”.
Stressing that his government remain steadfast in its commitment to alleviating hardship and promoting the welfare of the people of the state, Governor Ahmed said the palliaitive shop which shall stick every commodity
and sell at 20% subsidy, will ensure that basic food items are made available to all.
“By implication, the subsidy for the commodities being sold are as follows:Rice: 50 kg of the famous Dangote rice which sells for N 75,000 in open market will be sold at N60,000 at shagon Sauki na Ahmadun Alu, while a 50 kg of our refined local rice being sold at N63,000 in open market will sell for N50,400 at shagon Sauki na Ahmadun Alu,” the governor said.
On those expected to benefit from the intitaive, Aliyu said, the state palliaitive shops were for state civil servants, local government staff, and pensioners whose purchasing power could fall far below others, especially in view of the current economic reality.
His words: “We are commencing this initiative with essential food items such as rice, millet, wheat, cooking oil, and spaghetti, commodities that are commonly consumed by a number of households in our society and guarantees food security.
“The initial rollout will cover six local Governments as follows; Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Wamakko, Bodinga, Dange Shuni and Kware while the remaining 17 local governments will soon be covered.
Shortly after commissioning the palliaitive shop, Goveror Namadi lauded G Aliyu for delivering dividends of democracy to the people within two years in office.
Chairman of the state committee on sales of food items and other commodities at subsidized rate, and former deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Chiso said all payments at the Shagon Saudi shop will be electronic, hence cash is not allowed.
Lending his voice to the development, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the Galadima Gari, Buhari Attahiru said the initiative was apt and timely, considering the reality of the nation’s economy.
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