The Jigawa State Government has taken a step by dismissing 22 vendors and companies involved in its ongoing Ramadan Iftar programme.
The action followed allegations of cheating, poor food quality, and questionable financial practices.
The development has raised concern because the programme was designed to support vulnerable residents during the holy month of Ramadan.
Officials said the Jigawa Ramadan Iftar programme was meant to deliver relief meals to millions of residents across the state. Meanwhile, authorities insisted that any abuse of the initiative would not be tolerated.
The programme was introduced by Governor Umar Namadi to support struggling families during Ramadan. It targets about 7.9 million beneficiaries through 640 free meal centres across Jigawa State.
However, barely two weeks after the programme began, several complaints started emerging from communities. Residents reportedly raised concerns about food quality, quantity, and transparency in the distribution process.
Consequently, the government launched a detailed monitoring exercise. Field supervisors were deployed to inspect operations across the affected centres.
Moreover, the findings reportedly revealed serious misconduct by some contractors responsible for meal supply. These issues included misrepresentation of food portions and suspected misuse of funds.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties therefore announced the immediate dismissal of the affected vendors.
Jigawa State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, Auwalu Sankara, confirmed the decision in a statement released in Dutse.
“These individuals and entities have been dismissed for gross misconduct, mismanagement of public funds, and poor handling of the programme,” Sankara said.
Furthermore, the commissioner stressed that the government remains committed to maintaining high standards for the programme.
“Our commitment to standards remains unwavering,” he said.
The list of those dismissed includes vendors from several local government areas. These include Jahun, Taura, Kafin Hausa, Birnin Kudu, Sule Tankarkar, and Hadejia.
Others were also affected in Malam Madori, Guri, and Gwaram local government areas. The dismissals were said to follow confirmed findings from monitoring teams.
Meanwhile, the government has begun replacing the dismissed vendors with new contractors.
“We are already in the process of substituting these individuals with deserving contractors,” Sankara added.
In addition, the state government reassured residents that the welfare of citizens remains the top priority.
“The dismissals demonstrate the government’s resolve to protect public funds, and the welfare of the people of Jigawa remains our highest priority,” he said.
Sankara also emphasised that the administration will continue to enforce accountability in public programmes.
“The people of Jigawa deserve better. We will ensure accountability and continue to serve the people,” Sankara said.
Therefore, the government believes the action will restore public confidence in the Jigawa Ramadan Iftar programme.
