Niger State Uses N730 Million To Subsidise Ramadan Grains

The Niger State government has spent over N730 million to subsidise grains used during the Ramadan period in the state from 2007 till date.

This revelation was made by the state governor, Babangida Aliyu, during the flag-off of 2013 public sales and distribution of grains in Minna, the Niger state capital.

He mentioned that the release of the grains is part of the effort of the state government to cushion the effect of the Ramadan on the people.

The commissioner for agriculture, Ahmed Matane told the expectant audience that the release of the grains at the beginning of the thirty days fasting is to checkmate the incessant price hike of stable food during the holy month.

The governor mentioned that the release of the grains which will be sold at 40 per cent subsidy is a deliberate effort of the state government to encourage the Muslim faithful in the state to participate fully in the holy month.

He warned the officials of the Niger State Supply Company to make sure the subsidized grains are sold to only to the less privileged in the state.

Over ten thousand metric tons of associated grains were released at the event.