Jigawa Government Dismisses 22 Vendors Over Ramadan Iftar Scandal

The Jigawa State, Nigeria government has dismissed 22 vendors and companies linked to the ongoing Ramadan Iftar programme, citing allegations of cheating, misrepresentation of food quality and quantity, and questionable financial practices.

The decision, aimed at promoting transparency and accountability, follows complaints from the public and a supervisory report uncovering misconduct by several contractors involved in the initiative, which provides free meals to vulnerable residents during the holy month of Ramadan.

Launched by Governor Umar Namadi, the programme targets 7.9 million beneficiaries across 640 meal centres, offering relief and nutritious meals during the 2026 Ramadan period.

In a statement released on Friday in Dutse, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, Auwalu Sankara, confirmed the dismissals, attributing them to gross misconduct, mismanagement of public funds, and poor handling of the programme.

The affected individuals and entities include:

• Haruna Ladan Inv. & Property (Jahun LGA)
• Musa A. Jibrin (Gwiwa 1, Jahun LGA)
• Nura Yahaya (Chukuto Ward, Taura LGA)
• Usman Umar Malam, Muhammad Suleiman, Musa Salisu, Dauda Yusuf (various wards, Kafin Hausa LGA)
• Lurwanu Alhassan (Unguwar Ya 1, Birnin Kudu LGA)
• Ashiru Kamisu, Shuaibu Muhammad, Muhammad Abdullahi, Jafaru Magaji (Sule Tankarkar LGA)
• Sulaiman Shuaibu, Badamasi Umar, Danbaba Nasallah, Fatima Abdulaziz, Ibrahim Sulaiman, Yusuf Wada (Hadejia & Jahun LGAs)
• Haruna Yau, Aisha Garba, Babannan Baffa, Amina Abdullahi (Malam Madori, Guri, Gwaram LGAs)

Sankara emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to standards, stating, “Our commitment to standards remains unwavering. We will not compromise on policies, especially during the sacred month.”

He also assured that the dismissed contractors would be replaced with deserving individuals, reaffirming that the welfare of Jigawa residents remains a top priority.

“The dismissals demonstrate the government’s resolve to protect public funds, and the people of Jigawa deserve better. We will ensure accountability and continue to serve them,” Sankara said, thanking Governor Namadi for his support in sustaining the initiative’s success.