Prices at the weekly auction have risen for six straight weeks.

Officials said the plan had been developed after months of consultation with residents, local leaders and technical experts, and that implementation would begin immediately.

According to figures shared with Inspire Media, the programme will initially cover the most affected areas before being expanded nationwide over the next two years.

“This is a step in the right direction, but we will be watching closely to make sure the promises are kept,” said a community representative who attended the briefing.

The announcement comes amid growing public demand for accountability and better services, particularly in rural areas where access has historically lagged.

Residents interviewed by our reporters said they were cautiously optimistic, citing previous projects that stalled after initial launches.