Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has launched a comprehensive distribution of palliatives worth ₦14.4 billion to alleviate poverty and improve the standard of living across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas.
The initiative includes the distribution of food items, farm inputs, mobility aids for persons with disabilities, motorcycles, and tricycles. The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Sambo Bello Danchadi, during a breakdown of the state’s ₦526 billion 2025 budget estimates.
Danchadi revealed that the government had purchased 280 trucks of rice containing 168,000 bags, which will be distributed across all 244 wards in the state. A 50kg bag of rice is being sold at a subsidized price of ₦38,700 to cushion the economic challenges faced by residents.
Agricultural Boost and Environmental Rehabilitation
The state government is also taking significant steps to boost agriculture by preparing 7,000 hectares of land in 17 communities for the cultivation of moringa oleifera, a crop with substantial market value. Additionally, 1,200 hectares of degraded land in Saturu Forest, Dange/Shuni LGA, have been rehabilitated.
Farmers in the state have begun receiving free fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs to support dry-season farming, marking a historic first for Sokoto.
Support for Vulnerable Groups
In a bid to support people with disabilities, the government has reinstated and increased monthly allowances from ₦6,500 to ₦10,000. The number of beneficiaries is expected to rise from 6,679 to 10,000 by 2025.
The Commissioner also highlighted poverty reduction efforts, including skills training for thousands of youths and livelihood grants for economically active households. Social cash transfers have been provided to the poor and vulnerable.
Youth Empowerment
To tackle unemployment, the state government has trained youths in various skills, such as tailoring, computer repairs, and vulcanizing, providing them with tools and cash assistance. Over 10,000 youths have also been trained in digital and technical skills.
In addition, the government has purchased 500 tricycles and 1,000 motorcycles to support youths. These will be sold at heavily subsidized prices. Motorcycles, bought at ₦1,275,200 each, will be sold for ₦300,000, while tricycles, procured at ₦5,800,000 and ₦3,500,000, will be sold for ₦1,500,000 and ₦1,000,000, respectively.
This initiative underscores Governor Aliyu’s commitment to addressing economic challenges and improving the livelihoods of Sokoto State residents through targeted interventions.