Jigawa Government decries mismanagement of ₦4.8 Billion Ramadan Fund

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has expressed deep concern over the mismanagement of funds allocated to the state’s Ramadan feeding programme.

He made the disclosure during an unscheduled visit to several feeding centres in Dutse Local Government Area on Tuesday.

The governor uncovered instances of neglect and poor resource management, raising questions about the effective utilization of the ₦4.8 billion budgeted for the initiative.

The Ramadan feeding programme, approved by the State Executive Council, is a joint effort between the state government and local governments.

The state contributed 55% (₦2.64 billion) and local governments providing 45% (₦2.16 billion).

The programme aims to provide meals for vulnerable residents across the state’s 287 wards, including those in rehabilitation centres, motor parks, and markets.

Governor Namadi’s inspection of feeding centres in Dundubus, Karnaya, Gaci, and Limawa revealed a mixed performance.

While some centres were commended for their diligence and adherence to hygiene standards, others were found to be failing in both resource management and service delivery.

“I am disappointed, but not surprised, by the level of mismanagement and neglect I have seen today,” Namadi stated during his visit. “It is unacceptable that some individuals would seek to cheat and deprive our people of the benefits they deserve.”

The governor emphasised the importance of transparency, fairness, and proper hygiene in the distribution of food. He urged those responsible for the shortcomings to address them immediately and warned that corrective measures would be implemented to enhance service delivery.

Namadi also called on local authorities and community leaders to intensify monitoring efforts to ensure the seamless execution of the initiative.

“The welfare of our people remains a top priority for this administration,” he said. “We will not tolerate any form of mismanagement or negligence in programmes designed to uplift the vulnerable.”

Efforts to reach the state Commissioner for Special Duties, Auwal Sankara, whose ministry oversees the feeding programme, were unsuccessful as repeated calls to his known telephone number went unanswered.

The Ramadan feeding programme is a critical component of the state’s efforts to support its residents during the holy month.

The Jigawa State Government had announced on Friday said it will feed 171,900 people daily during Ramadan.

The state governor, Umar Namadi, said this at the inauguration of the distribution of palliatives to residents of Dutse in Jigawa.

He said the state had created two centres in each electoral ward for the programme, adding that each centre was expected to feed at least 300 people daily, making a total of 171,900 per day in 573 centres.

The governor said the initiative was beyond feeding ordinary people at the public centres, adding that thousands of households were also being captured in the feeding programme.

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