Jigawa Approves ₦875.9m Grant For 27,000 Rural Women Food Vendors

The Jigawa State Government has approved a total of ₦875.9 million empowerment grant for rural women petty food vendors as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots businesses and expand social welfare support across the state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Sagir Musa, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Dutse.

According to him, no fewer than 27,000 women petty food vendors are expected to benefit from the scheme, which is designed to boost small-scale trading activities and enhance household incomes across all political wards in the state.

He said the initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to reinforce its food support system while promoting economic inclusion for vulnerable groups.

Musa explained that beneficiaries would be drawn from all wards of the state to ensure equitable distribution and wider reach of the empowerment programme.

In a related development, the Executive Council also approved a ₦167 million credit facility for the Association of Motorcycle Riders, under which selected beneficiaries will access loans of about ₦3.7 million each, with a repayment period of three years.

He further announced the approval of a ₦261.2 million credit loan for the Jigawa State branch of the National Association of Transport Owners, aimed at improving transport operations and logistics capacity.

Under the arrangement, the association is expected to acquire five Toyota Hilux vehicles, 10 Sharon buses, and five Gulf cars for members’ use.

Musa said the interventions reflect Governor Umar Namadi’s commitment to promoting economic empowerment through business support schemes aimed at job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable growth across the state.