Jigawa sacks 22 over Ramadan feeding scam

The Jigawa State Government has terminated the contracts of 22 vendors and companies involved in the ongoing Ramadan Iftar programme due to allegations of cheating, dishonesty concerning food quality and quantity, and dubious financial practices.

This decision was made as part of the government's commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the initiative designed to provide meals for vulnerable citizens during the holy month.

The programme, which aims to assist 7.9 million beneficiaries across 640 free meal centres in the state, was launched by Governor Umar Namadi to offer relief and nutritious food to those in need during the 2026 Ramadan period.

However, just two weeks into the programme, a detailed supervisory report and field monitoring exercise reportedly revealed significant misconduct by various vendors and companies following public complaints.

This situation led the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties to act promptly, dismissing those suspected of involvement.

In a statement released to journalists in Dutse on Friday by the Jigawa State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, Auwalu Sankara, the dismissals were linked to gross misconduct, mismanagement of public funds, and inadequate handling of the programme.

The statement identified the individuals and entities affected as follows: Haruna Ladan Inv. and Property (Jahun LGA); Musa A. Jibrin (Gwiwa 1, Jahun LGA); Nura Yahaya (Chukuto Ward, Taura LGA); Usman Umar Malam (Sarawa 1, Kafin Hausa LGA); Muhammad Suleiman (Sarawa 2, Kafin Hausa LGA); Musa Salisu (Zago 1, Kafin Hausa LGA); Dauda Yusuf (Zago 2, Kafin Hausa LGA); Lurwanu Alhassan (Unguwar Ya 1, Birnin Kudu LGA); Ashiru Kamisu (Danladi 1, Sule Tankarkar LGA); Shuaibu Muhammad (Danladi 2, Sule Tankarkar LGA); Muhammad Abdullahi (Jeke 1, Sule Tankarkar LGA); and Jafaru Magaji (Amanga 1, Sule Tankarkar LGA).

Others are Sulaiman Shuaibu (Yayari 1, Hadejia LGA); Badamasi Umar (Yayari 2, Hadejia LGA); Danbaba Nasallah (Matsaro 1, Hadejia LGA); Fatima Abdulaziz (Yankoli 1, Hadejia LGA); Ibrahim Sulaiman (Yankoli 2, Hadejia LGA); Yusuf Wada (Jahun); Haruna Yau and Aisha Garba (Malam Madori); Babannan Baffa (Guri); and Amina Abdullahi (Gwaram).

“These individuals and entities have been dismissed for gross misconduct, mismanagement of public funds, and poor handling of the programme,” Sankara said.

He said the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward actions that undermine the humanitarian vision of Governor Namadi’s administration.

“Our commitment to standards remains unwavering,” he said, stressing that the government would not compromise on standards or allow any deviation from its policies, especially during the sacred month.

“We are already in the process of substituting these individuals with deserving contractors,” he added.

Sankara said the administration has prioritised the welfare of the people of Jigawa State.

“The dismissals demonstrate the government’s resolve to protect public funds, and the welfare of the people of Jigawa remains our highest priority.”

He further stated that the dismissals cut across several LGAs, including Kafin Hausa, Birnin Kudu, Sule Tankarkar, and Hadejia, with reasons for dismissal including incomplete food packages, poor food taste, and failure to pay cooks.

“The people of Jigawa deserve better. We will ensure accountability and continue to serve the people,” Sankara said, assuring the public of the government’s commitment to maintaining standards.

He thanked Namadi for his support, adding that “the government will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the success of the programme.”