A resident of Kebbi State has accused the state’s deputy governor, Umar Abubakar Tafida, of distributing expired bags of rice as Ramadan palliatives to vulnerable communities.
Photographs shared on X by agricultural consultant and rural development expert, Mallam Jabir, showed several bags of spoiled rice branded Kaura Tafida.
Jabir condemned the alleged action, describing it as an insult to the dignity of the people. 
“Ramadan season has turned into a season of insult under this government,” he said. “Imagine a Deputy Governor in Kebbi distributing expired rice to his own people as palliatives. This is not generosity; this is wickedness and pure contempt for the poor.”
He further criticised what he described as a disconnect between political leaders and the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
“The same leaders who enjoy fresh, imported meals every day think the masses deserve poison in the name of welfare,” Jabir added.
He called for urgent political accountability, urging residents to demand better governance.
“As a matter of urgency, we must send these people out of power,” he said.
Similar incidents have occurred across the country in the past.
In March 2026, residents of Katsina Central reportedly returned bags of rice distributed to them, with reports citing issues with the quality. Previously, in early 2024, a federal lawmaker was accused of distributing “expired rice” as a Ramadan package, which was packaged in unbranded maize sacks.
Also, in April 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, the Oyo State government rejected 1,800 bags of rice donated by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Customs Service, alleging the rice was infested with weevils and expired.
Similarly, the Ondo State government also reportedly rejected expired palliatives from the federal government, with officials confirming the rice was unfit for human consumption.
