The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with local government areas, has earmarked over N10 billion for the purchase and subsidization of grains during the holy month of Ramadan to alleviate the burden of high food prices.
Governor Dikko Radda revealed this initiative during the inauguration of committees at both state and local government levels.
The initiative’s primary goal is to provide food assistance to vulnerable residents, with an estimated 72,200 people to be fed daily during Ramadan. This effort will benefit approximately 2.1 million residents throughout the month.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the government plans to subsidize the prices of maize, millet, and guinea corn, offering them at a reduced rate of N20,000 per bag. To ensure fair access, the government has set a limit of ten measures per buyer.
Governor Radda emphasized the need for accountability in the distribution process, directing local government committees to remit proceeds from grain sales to the state committee for deposit into government accounts. Additionally, 33,000 elderly and vulnerable families selected from across the state will receive free food items and cash donations.
To oversee the distribution process, Governor Radda appointed Khalil Bai as the committee’s chairman, comprising representatives from various councils and organizations. The committee’s role is to ensure effective coordination of the exercise across the state, including monitoring cooking points and overseeing distribution at the ward level.
