FIC Report (Sokoto State) – The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the sale of 30,000 metric tones of milled rice to Sokoto State Civil Servants at a subsided rate of ₦40,000 per 50kg bag.
The Head of Service, Suleiman Sarkin Fulani, flagged off the ceremony, which was held on Thursday, at the Cabinet Office in Sokoto.
During the event, Sarkin Fulani, urged civil servants to demonstrate maturity and responsibility throughout the exercise. He outlined the purchase process, which involves a code number to receive a treasury receipt as proof of payment. Beneficiaries will then be issued a receipt indicating the time and collection point of their rice.
The Head of Service expressed gratitude to the Sokoto State Governor, Ahamed Aliyu, for ensuring that the state was among the first to benefit from the Federal Government initiative. He emphasized the importance of the intervention in alleviating the ongoing food crisis in the country.
A representative of the Federal Government, Muhammad Bello, who also spoke at the ceremony, stated that the rice would be sold strictly on a” one person, one bag” basis to prevent hoarding and ensure equitable distribution. He explained that beneficiaries would be verified using their National identification Number (NIN) and must present a Valid ATM card loaded with ₦40,000 for payment.
The 50kg bags of rice, priced at a flat rate of ₦40,000, are part of the Federal Government’s effort to cushion the effect of the rising cost of food in the country.
A total of 19,800 bags of rice was allocated to Sokoto State and 33 trucks were used to deliver them to the state capital, Sokoto. Of the above, 65 percent (12,870 bags)are reserved for State Civil Servants, while the remaining 35 percent will be distributed to Federal Civil Servants and Private Sector workers in the State.
The ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Sokoto State Ministry of Environment, Mustapha Abubakar Alkali, the Special Adviser, State Emergency Management Agency(SEMA), Hon. Amina Liman Bodinga, SEMA Executive Secretary, Bashir Muhammad and SEMA Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Mustapha Umar and many other dignitaries.
Signed
Ramatu Sani (Mrs)
AD IPRO
FIC, Sokoto.
