The Sokoto State Government has in its bid to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal by the federal government, earmarked and approved the sum of over N20.3 billion Naira for the procurement of food Items as palliative for the people of the state.
The state’s government also declared a state of emergency on the food sector as a demonstration of its readiness to tackle the problems for the people especially the young and old members of the society.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Jabir Mai-Hula during the news briefing after the State Executive Council maiden meeting in Sokoto.
He said the meeting approved the purchase and distribution of 57,000 bags of 50kg of rice and 26,000 bags of 100 kg of millet at a total cost of N3.9bn.
Alhaji Mai- Hula said the responsive initiative was aimed at getting the items distributed to ease the current economic crises among its people and the society as the items are to be distributed across the 23 local governments of the state.
He also disclosed that the state government, in collaboration with the federal government, approved the purchase and distribution of 44,000 bags of maize for the same purpose.
In a separate development, the commissioner said the sum of N3.4 billion has been approved for the purchase of 50 units of 18 seaters Toyota buses and 30 units of Toyota Camry vehicles for commercial purposes in the state.
He explained that the buses would be used for inter-state and local transport services while the Toyota Camry will serve the transportation needs of females only within the state.
Also, the Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy, Alhaji Bashir Umarun Kwabo confirmed the council’s approval of N2.6bn for the purchase of 66 Toyota Hilux for the purpose of supporting security agencies in tackling security challenges being faced in the state.
He explained that each Police Division across the 23 LGs will be allocated a brand new Hilux and the remaining would go round other security outfits in the state.
On his part, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing , Alhaji Nasiru Dantsoho disclosed that approval has been given by the council for the construction of 500 Housing units estate at the cost of N7.4bn.
He said the housing estate will comprise of 300 units of 3-bedroom flats and 200 units of 2-bedroom flats at Kalambaina in Wamakko Local Government Area of the state.
The commissioner also said the sum of N1.8 bn had been approved for the repairs, construction and rehabilitation of roads in the state.
His Energy and Petroleum Resources counterpart, Alhaji Sanusi Danfulani said that N1.2bn has been approved for the phase I Solar light installation across streets and roads in the metropolis has been approved even as the installation will further beautify the streets and assist in the area of security in the metropolis.
