The Jigawa state government has allocated 2.8 billion naira towards a Ramadan Feeding Program, specifically targeting impoverished and vulnerable individuals who cannot afford meals during iftar. This initiative aims to benefit the broader population and stimulate economic activity in the state and the northern region of Nigeria as a whole. Despite being the state with the lowest spending on this program compared to other northwestern Nigerian states, Jigawa aims to make a significant impact.
Governor Mallam Umar Namadi, a seasoned accountant with experience in both private and public sectors, understands how to leverage macroeconomic tools to revive a struggling economy. The feeding program is not just about feeding a few vulnerable individuals but about nourishing the entire state's approximately 6 million residents, thereby creating economic multiplier effects.
Various businesses, from rice and beans sellers to those selling food ingredients and containers, as well as food vendors, cooks, agents, and suppliers involved in the program, will benefit from the increased economic activity. This injection of funds into the hands of the underprivileged and local marketers will revive Jigawa state's economy, which has been suffering due to factors like the removal of fuel subsidies, recent inflation, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, and the global economic downturn. As these individuals spend their money in the market, purchasing essentials, they will indirectly boost economic activities in Jigawa state.
-Al-Hadejawy
