Ramadan Feeding Scandal: Jigawa Dismisses 22 Contractors For Cheating Beneficiaries

The Jigawa State Government has dismissed 22 vendors and companies participating in its ongoing Ramadan Iftar feeding programme over allegations of cheating, poor food quality and questionable financial dealings.

The state government said the action followed complaints from residents and findings from a supervisory and field monitoring exercise that exposed misconduct by some contractors engaged in the humanitarian initiative.

Papers News understands that the programme was launched by Governor Umar Namadi to provide free meals for vulnerable citizens across the state during the 2026 Ramadan fasting period.

However, barely two weeks after the programme commenced, authorities said reports from field monitors revealed several irregularities in the handling of food supplies and funds by some vendors.

Confirming the development on Friday in Dutse, the state capital, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, Auwalu Sankara, said the contractors were removed for serious breaches of the programme’s guidelines.

According to him, the affected individuals and companies were dismissed over “gross misconduct, mismanagement of public funds, and poor handling of the programme.”

“These individuals and entities have been dismissed for gross misconduct, mismanagement of public funds, and poor handling of the programme,” Sankara said.

He stressed that the state government would not tolerate any act capable of undermining the humanitarian objective of the feeding scheme.

Sankara reiterated that the administration operates a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and abuse of public trust.

“Our commitment to standards remains unwavering,” he said.

“We will not compromise or allow any deviation from our policies, especially during this sacred month.”

He added that the government had already begun the process of replacing the affected vendors with more qualified contractors.

“We are already in the process of substituting these individuals with deserving contractors,” the commissioner stated.

According to the statement, the dismissals affected vendors operating across several local government areas, including Kafin Hausa, Birnin Kudu, Sule Tankarkar, Jahun, Hadejia, Malam Madori, Guri and Gwaram.

Those removed from the programme include 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).

The commissioner explained that the action followed complaints about incomplete food packages, poor taste of meals and failure of some vendors to pay cooks engaged for the exercise.

He said the government would continue to monitor the programme closely to ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive quality meals.

“The people of Jigawa deserve better. We will ensure accountability and continue to serve the people,” Sankara said.

Sankara maintained that the welfare of Jigawa residents remained the government’s top priority.

“The dismissals demonstrate the government’s resolve to protect public funds, and the welfare of the people of Jigawa remains our highest priority,” he said.

He also commended Governor Namadi for supporting the programme, adding that the state would continue working to ensure its success.

“The government will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the success of the programme,” the commissioner added.