The Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulqadir Mohammed, has directed the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management to compensate a local food vendor, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, with ₦7.5 million.
This decision comes after a viral video showed Ibrahim in distress over significant losses incurred due to a failed catering contract.
The video, which surfaced on social media on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, depicted Ibrahim tearfully appealing for help after an unsigned contract with Babajide Aiyegbusi, an Admin and Logistics Officer with Malaria Consortium, led to her preparing food that could not be sold. The contract was for providing meals during a training session for three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Bauchi State.
Responding to the video, Governor Bala instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management to verify Ibrahim’s claims and assist her. Following an investigation, the Ministry confirmed her losses and compensated her with ₦7,516,000 to cover the cost of the food and other related expenses.
In a press release, the Ministry confirmed the payment and announced the immediate distribution of the food to hospitals, vulnerable individuals, orphanages, and other needy groups within Bauchi Metropolis, as directed by Governor Bala.
The Ministry’s Commissioner emphasized the importance of formal agreements in business transactions to avoid similar issues in the future.
She urged government agencies, the private sector, and traditional institutions to improve communication and understanding of contractual obligations. The Commissioner also called on the media to advocate for better awareness of the importance of formal contracts.
