Hussaini Kafi in Kano
As the holy month of Ramadan begins, the Kano State Government has launched an N8 billion feeding program aimed at providing meals for residents.
While the initiative has received both praise and scepticism, concerns about transparency and accountability persist.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf recently inaugurated the program alongside the distribution of 1,250 cartons of dates donated by Saudi Arabia.
However, the government has yet to release a clear execution plan, raising questions about how the funds will be utilized and who will benefit the most. Attempts by the state government to convince the populace are not far reaching.
In defending the initiative, the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, disclosed that the government has approved the 2025 Ramadan Feeding Programme, with 91 designated feeding centers across the state.
The initiative will cater for 91,000 people daily for 27 days.
He further stated that to ensure the effective implementation of this year’s programme, catering service providers have been engaged to prepare and deliver 91,000 plates of food per day across all designated centres.
Also shedding light on the initiative, the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, assured that the program would prioritize the most vulnerable.
“We are working with community leaders, religious organizations, and NGOs to ensure proper distribution. The government is committed to transparency and will provide updates,” he said.
Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim, described the feeding program as part of broader efforts to cushion the economic hardship facing Kano residents.
Meanwhile, civic groups, including the Kano Budget Transparency Network, have urged the government to allow independent monitors to oversee the program.
Pushing for greater accountability, Aisha Ibrahim, a transparency advocate, recommended, “There should be a public dashboard showing the budget allocation, list of beneficiaries, and the total meals distributed daily.”
Speaking with journalists in Kano, the Executive Director of the War Against Injustice organization, Comrade Umar Ibrahim Umar, criticized the heavy spending on a short-term program, arguing that it does not address the root causes of economic hardship.
“Allocating huge funds for Ramadan feeding is not the right approach to tackling the severe economic struggles people are facing,” he said.
While acknowledging the need for assistance, he argued that such funds would be more impactful if directed toward long-term solutions like agriculture, youth and women empowerment programs, and reviving small-scale industries.
Comrade Umar also emphasized the importance of transparency. “The government should publicly disclose how funds are allocated, state the exact amount disbursed, and involve journalists and civil society organizations in monitoring the process,” he stated.
He commended the state’s initiative of selling food at subsidized prices, describing it as a more effective approach than distributing handouts. “Rather than relying on poorly distributed food aid, a structured system that allows citizens to purchase food at reduced rates would be more beneficial,” he noted.
To prevent mismanagement, he called for the establishment of an independent committee comprising journalists, human rights organizations, and government representatives. “Such a committee should oversee the program to ensure the funds serve their intended purpose,” he stressed.
He also insisted that those found guilty of mismanaging resources should face consequences. “Anyone caught diverting funds should be removed, have their fraudulent gains confiscated, and be prosecuted in court,” he said.
For some residents, the initiative is a welcome relief. Abdullahi Musa, a trader in Sabon Gari, said, “Ramadan is a time for sharing, and this program could help many families struggling to put food on the table.”
However, others remain doubtful. Fatima Sani, a widow and mother of four, fears the aid might not reach those who need it most. “We have seen such programs in the past where only those connected to politicians benefit. The government must ensure fairness,” she said.
Economic experts are also questioning the program’s execution. Dr Anas Danbare from Bayero University, Kano, pointed out that if each meal costs N1,500, the N8 billion allocation could provide over 5.3 million meals.
However, he noted the absence of a detailed breakdown of the funds. “Who are the suppliers? How will meals be shared? Without a clear framework, there’s a risk of mismanagement,” he warned, urging the government to adopt an open procurement process and publish the list of vendors.
Beyond financial concerns, civil society groups and activists have called for greater oversight.
With Ramadan underway, the success of Kano’s N8 billion feeding initiative will largely depend on the government’s ability to ensure transparency and fairness.
For millions of Kano residents, the hope remains that this program will not only provide sustenance but also set a precedent for good governance.
