JIGAWA HUMANITARIAN COMMISSIONER CONDUCTS ROUND-THE-CLOCK OVERSIGHT; SUSPENDS ERRING CONTRACTORS
Echo Express
In a decisive move to enforce Governor Umar Namadi’s welfare-driven policies, the Jigawa State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, Hon. Auwal D. Sankara, has conducted an extensive round-the-clock oversight operation across key public institutions in Jigawa State.
The surprise inspection, which began on Monday afternoon and extended into the early hours of Tuesday, targeted state-owned hospitals and boarding schools to assess the implementation of the School and Hospital Feeding Programmes under the Governor’s 12-Point Agenda.
According to the Commissioner, the late-night exercise was designed to ensure that public funds allocated to feeding programmes translate directly into quality meals for patients and students, without diversion or compromise.
The oversight team commenced its tour at General Hospital Dutse, where serious lapses were uncovered.
Despite accommodating 135 patients out of its 218-bed capacity, the hospital was found to be serving meals of poor quality and insufficient quantity.
Consequently, contractor Alhaji Sule Abdu was immediately suspended for failing to supply the approved food quantity and for delivering substandard rice.
In addition, the hospital’s Kitchener was suspended over internal lapses. The Commissioner also issued a stern warning against any unauthorized financial dealings between contractors and facility staff.
A similar situation was recorded at Gwaram Cottage Hospital, where the feeding programme was found to be poorly managed.
The sole contractor, Samaila Haruna Robert, was therefore suspended with immediate effect.
At the School for the Gifted, Bamaina, Hon. Sankara expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of meals being served, stressing that the standard did not reflect the special status of the institution.
“We will conduct a comprehensive review of meal standards here. Payments will be strictly based on what we see on the ground. We will not pay for substandard meals that fail to meet the nutritional needs of our gifted students,” the Commissioner stated.
The tour also took the team to Government Girls Unity Secondary School (GGUSS), Gwaram, which hosts over 2,500 students.
While commending noticeable improvements in food quality, the Commissioner raised concerns about hygiene practices and personally instructed staff to ensure meals are properly covered and handled in line with strict sanitary standards.
At Birnin Kudu General Hospital, the Commissioner observed a shortage of cooking utensils and cautioned the two active contractors to ensure full and timely delivery of all supplies in accordance with contractual agreements.
In a heartwarming moment, the Commissioner and his entourage received a rousing welcome from students of GGUSS Gwaram, who lined up at the school gate to express their appreciation for the reforms.
The students testified to the significant improvements in meal quality, adequate food portions, better taste and overall satisfaction.
Hon. Sankara described the students’ feedback as the true measure of success of the administration’s welfare initiatives.
While disciplinary actions were taken against defaulters, the Commissioner also commended contractors who demonstrated integrity and compliance. Five contractors serving MBPS Kila—Alhaji Idris Dauda, Dalhatu Sulaiman, Bala S. Pawa, Alhaji Murtala Idris, and Hajiya Hafsat—were praised for their prompt service and consistent supply of quality food items.
Similarly, GUC Birnin Kudu and GSTC Birnin Kudu were noted to be operating satisfactorily, with accurate student headcounts and proper meal distribution in line with government standards.
Speaking at the conclusion of the tour in the early hours of Tuesday, Hon. Sankara reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to accountability.
“This administration will not sleep until we are certain that the food meant for patients and students is delivered in the right quality and quantity. These surprise inspections—especially at night—will continue across the state. Whether you are a contractor or an official, your only protection is honesty and performance.”
He added:
“We are not here to sit in offices; we are here to ensure that the Governor’s vision reaches the plates of our people. Those who do well will be supported, and those who fail our people will be removed.”
