Jigawa Govt Removes 22 Vendors Over Alleged Fraud in Ramadan Feeding Programme

The Jigawa State Government has terminated the contracts of 22 vendors and companies participating in its Ramadan Iftar feeding programme following allegations of fraud, food quality manipulation and financial irregularities.

The move comes amid growing complaints from residents and monitoring teams over the implementation of the initiative, which was designed to provide daily meals to vulnerable citizens during the 2026 Ramadan fasting period.

According to information obtained by Global Mirror News, the decision followed the outcome of a supervisory review and field monitoring exercise conducted two weeks after the programme commenced.

Governor Umar Namadi had launched the Ramadan Iftar programme earlier in the month, targeting about 7.9 million beneficiaries through 640 designated feeding centres across the state. The programme was intended to cushion the economic burden on vulnerable households by providing nutritious meals during the holy month.

However, monitoring reports reportedly revealed widespread misconduct by several contractors, including allegations of cheating in food portions, poor meal quality, and questionable financial practices.

In response, the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties took disciplinary action against the implicated vendors.

Speaking in a statement made available to Journalists in Dutse, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, Auwalu Sankara, said the affected contractors were dismissed over serious breaches in the execution of the programme.

According to Sankara, those removed from the programme include Haruna Ladan Investment 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 affected include 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 stated.

He stressed that the Government would not tolerate any deviation from the standards set for the programme, particularly during the sacred Ramadan period.

“Our commitment to maintaining quality and transparency remains firm. We will not compromise standards or allow any abuse of the initiative meant to support the vulnerable,” he said.

Sankara also disclosed that the Government had already begun the process of replacing the dismissed vendors with more competent contractors to ensure the smooth continuation of the feeding programme.

The Commissioner further noted that the action demonstrates the administration’s determination to safeguard public funds and ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive the support promised by the Government.

He added that the Namadi-led administration remains committed to prioritising the welfare of Jigawa residents and ensuring accountability in all humanitarian interventions.

“The people of Jigawa deserve better. We will continue to ensure transparency, accountability and effective service delivery,” Sankara said.