The Jigawa State Government has dismissed 22 vendors and companies participating in the ongoing Ramadan Iftar programme over alleged cheating, dishonesty regarding food quality and quantity, and questionable financial dealings.
The action was taken as part of efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the initiative aimed at feeding vulnerable citizens during the holy month.
ETIMES247 recalls that the programme, targeting 7.9 million beneficiaries across 640 free meal centres in the state, was initiated by Governor Umar Namadi to provide relief and nutritious meals to vulnerable citizens during the 2026 Ramadan period.
However, barely two weeks into the programme, a comprehensive supervisory report and field monitoring exercise reportedly uncovered serious misconduct by several vendors and companies following public complaints.
The development prompted the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties to take swift action, dismissing those suspected to be involved.
In a statement made available to journalists in Dutse on Friday by the Jigawa State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, Auwalu Sankara, the dismissals were attributed to gross misconduct, mismanagement of public funds, and poor handling of the programme.
The statement listed the affected individuals and entities 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.”
