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The Kano State Government on Thursday threatened legal action against traders involved in food adulteration, thus culminating in a series of arrests at the Dawanau International Grains Market.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Investment and Industry, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi issued the warning during a visit to the market.
“The crackdown comes after a Task Force operating within the market seized 82 tonnes of allegedly adulterated sesame seeds, valued at approximately N180 million.”
Sagagi, who lamented the severity of the food adulteration, emphasized that such illicit practices threaten “the image and age-long integrity of the market and damage to the state’s reputation in the global commodity trade.”
He noted that the Dawanau market plays a pivotal role in food security and international trade, making it imperative to maintain its credibility.
To combat food adulteration:”the Kano State Government plans to establish a Commodity Exchange Department at the market.
The objective of the initiative is to enhance regulatory oversight as well as prevent further instances of food adulteration.
The Chairman of the Dawanau Market, Alhaji Mukhtar Isa, who expressed support for the state government’s crackdown, assured of optimum cooperation in identifying and prosecuting those responsible
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the market infrastructure, including the installation of solar-powered street lighting and boreholes.
However, he acknowledged that frequent electricity shortages remain a major challenge for the traders.
Additionally, the Federal Produce Inspection Service reaffirmed:”its commitment to enforcing market regulations and vowed to take decisive action against anyone found guilty of adulterating food products.”
“The Kano State Government’s move signals a firm stance against food adulteration, reinforcing its commitment to protecting consumer health, ensuring fair trade, and safeguarding the credibility of one of Nigeria’s largest grains market.”
