Sokoto Government Engages Traders and Religious Leaders to Tackle Hardship

• Sokoto State government convened a meeting to address economic challenges, discussing the rising cost of food and essential commodities
• Participants highlighted fuel subsidy removal, insecurity, market malpractices, and smuggling, calling for urgent solutions and proactive measures

Amidst the prevailing economic challenges in Nigeria, the Sokoto State government convened a crucial meeting on Friday, bringing together traders, traditional leaders, and religious figures to address the pressing issue of hardship gripping the nation.

The gathering at the International Conference Hall in Kasarawa along the Airport road focused on dissecting the root causes of the escalating cost of food and essential commodities while exploring viable solutions. Co-chaired by the Commissioners of Commerce and Industry, Haruna Abbas, and Religious Affairs, Jabir Maihula, the session drew participation from prominent traders and esteemed clerics across the state.

Addressing the assembly, Commissioner Abbas underscored the imperative of such deliberations against the backdrop of mounting economic strains. He delineated various factors contributing to the soaring cost of living, including federal policies such as fuel subsidy removal and pervasive insecurity disrupting agricultural activities.

“Additionally,” Abbas remarked, “we have noted instances of market malpractices, with reports of hoarding and smuggling exacerbating the scarcity of essential goods. It is incumbent upon traders to desist from such practices, failing which necessary measures will be taken.”

Echoing these sentiments, Speaker Tukur Bodinga of the Sokoto State House of Assembly emphasized the legislature’s proactive engagement. He disclosed that deliberations had yielded crucial recommendations, including measures to curb smuggling and hoarding food items.

Religious leaders also lent their voices to the discourse, with Sheikh Isa Talatan Madara advocating the reintroduction of price controls to mitigate the rampant inflation plaguing the nation. Furthermore, clerics urged the federal government to reconsider fuel subsidy removal or allocate the saved funds towards subsidizing essential commodities.

Amidst these deliberations, a unanimous call resounded for urgent action to address the pervasive insecurity hampering agricultural productivity. Participants stressed that restoring peace and security is paramount to enabling farmers to resume cultivation, thus alleviating food shortages and mitigating the hardship millions face nationwide.