Efforts to alleviate the repercussions of fuel subsidy removal in Jigawa State have been put in motion, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Speaking after the State Executive Council meeting in Dutse, Mr. Sagir Musa, the Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports, and Culture, disclosed the decisions made.
To complement the federal government’s initiative, the state government sanctioned N134 million for the procurement of five trucks of rice for distribution to the less privileged. The aim is to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal, which has led to increased food prices and economic challenges.
Musa explained, “The council has also endorsed the acquisition of an additional five trucks of rice at a cost of N134 million to extend the aid to more beneficiaries.”
Moreover, the council approved an empowerment program for 1,500 young entrepreneurs across the state’s 27 Local Government Areas. Each beneficiary will receive N50,000 to foster business growth. The program will be executed in partnership with the State Youths Employment Agency and the Ministry of Information, Youths, Sports, and Culture.
In support of the World Bank-backed J-Cares program, the council resolved to allocate N100,000 to 1,000 registered SMEs, provided they fulfill certain criteria, including having bank accounts, BVNs, and at least two employees.
Musa emphasized the state government’s commitment to enhancing the citizens’ quality of life through ongoing policies and initiatives. The government’s proactive approach includes a previous allocation of N50 million for empowering 1,000 women traders affected by the fuel subsidy removal.