Jigawa State is set to alleviate challenges posed by fuel subsidy removal and boost the agricultural sector.
Jigawa State Governor, Mallam Umar Namadi
Jigawa State is poised to alleviate the challenges associated with fuel subsidy removal as well as boost agricultural production.
This was part of the resolutions adopted at the Jigawa State 4th Executive Council Meeting held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, to deliberate on crucial matters affecting the well-being and progress of the state, according to a press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Malam Hamisu Mohammed Gumel.
The Commissioner of Information, Youth, Sports, and Culture, Sagir Musa Ahmad, who briefed the press after the meeting led by the Executive Governor, Mallam Umar Namadi, said the meeting resulted in key resolutions aimed at alleviating challenges posed by recent policy changes and boosting the agricultural sector.
1. Addressing Hardship Caused by Fuel Subsidy Removal
The statement said in response to the challenges arising from the removal of fuel subsidies and recognizing the need to ease the burden on its citizens, the State Executive Council has taken a proactive step. The Council has approved the additional procurement of essential food items for distribution across all 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) within the state.
The approved procurement includes:
• 70 Trucks of Rice (600 bags per truck)
• 54 Trucks of Millet & Maize (600 bags per truck)
• 1,000 Cartons of Spaghetti
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These food items, valued at Three Billion Eight Hundred and Forty-Eight Thousand Naira (N3,848,000.00) only, will be distributed through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). The joint financial contribution of the Federal, State, and Local Governments (LGAs) underscores the commitment to ameliorate the challenges posed by fuel subsidy removal and its impact on the populace.
2. Support for Undergraduate Students
The State Executive Council is keenly aware of the financial strains faced by parents with limited incomes, particularly in the context of rising educational costs. In alignment with the administration's policy to assist such families, the Council has approved the payment of registration fees for Jigawa State undergraduate students pursuing various courses at prominent institutions.
The institutions covered under this decision are:
• Federal University, Dutse (FUD)
• Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
• Kano State University of Technology (KUST)
• University of Maiduguri
The sum of one hundred and sixty-seven million twenty-four thousand nine hundred and fifty naira (N167,024,950.00) has been allocated to facilitate this initiative. This effort underscores the administration's commitment to ensuring that education remains accessible to all segments of society. Subsequently, the government planned to review Jigawa State students’ bursaries at all higher institutions.
3. Promoting Agricultural Development
Recognizing the paramount importance of agriculture to the state's economy, the Jigawa State Executive Council has approved a significant measure to foster agricultural development. The Council has approved a loan of One Billion Naira (N1,000,000,000.00) only to the Jigawa Agricultural Supply Company (JASCO).
This financial support is designated for the procurement of 54 units of tractors, a crucial step towards enhancing local farmers' access to mechanized farming. The loan's objective is to facilitate the reintroduction of Tractor Hiring Services (THS) through the Local Government Areas (LGAs), thereby promoting mechanized farming practices across the state.
The Jigawa State Executive Council remains dedicated to the advancement and prosperity of its people, as demonstrated by these strategic decisions aimed at alleviating challenges, fostering education, and boosting the agricultural sector.