Govt fires 22 over fasting feeding scam

The Jigawa State Government has dismissed 22 vendors and companies involved in the ongoing Ramadan Iftar programme over allegations of cheating, misrepresentation of food quality and quantity, and questionable financial practices.

The decision was taken as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the initiative designed to provide meals for vulnerable residents during the holy month.

Recall that Governor Umar Namadi initiated the Ramadan Iftar programme, targeting 7.9 million beneficiaries across 640 free meal centres in the state, to provide relief and nutritious meals to vulnerable citizens during the 2026 Ramadan period.

However, 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 State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties has now taken swift action, dismissing those suspected to be involved in the scandal.

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.

“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.”

“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.”