In a decisive move, the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has taken action by sealing over 10 warehouse facilities brimming with assorted food items in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area.
Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, the commission's chairman, revealed this development to reporters immediately after sealing the warehouses in Dawanau International Grains Market, Singer Market, and Kwari Textiles Market on Sunday, February 11, 2024.
During the operation, owners of these warehouses were notably absent, but the opened ones revealed a stockpile of commodities, including spaghetti, rice, pasta, sugar, and various other food items.
"The owners have been issued notice to report to the commission preparatory to facing charges before the court of law for their illegal activities," Barr. Rimingado stated.
He emphasized the commission's commitment to combating the hoarding of essential commodities in the state, pointing out the impact already made in curbing the immediate surge in prices.
"We started last Thursday, and we have made a significant impact towards stopping the instant rise in the price of essential commodities," he asserted.
The chairman highlighted the alarming increase in rice prices from N52,000 to N61,000 within a week and expressed confidence in further reducing prices by sustaining their efforts.
As the commission scrutinizes the market situation, Barr. Rimingado pointed out challenges encountered during the warehouse inspections.
Notably, some store owners claimed their premises were affiliated with the World Food Programme, raising concerns about food distribution.
"We wonder if the world food programme will starve the country while taking the food somewhere else," he questioned.
Addressing the severity of the issue, Barr. Rimingado emphasized the immense value of hoarded commodities, amounting to hundreds of millions of Naira. He declared the takeover of these stores and impending arrests, stressing that such actions would not be tolerated.
"This is not a market; this is a warehouse. We have activated our intelligence mechanism, and they have come up with reports on where and how they are hoarding it," he concluded.