The Kano State Government has pledged to take strong legal action against traders involved in food adulteration following a series of arrests at the Dawanau International Grains Market.
Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, the Commissioner for Commerce, Investment, and Industry, made this announcement on Wednesday 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.
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Commissioner Sagagi laments the severity of the issue, emphasizing that such illicit practices threaten the integrity of the market and damage the state’s reputation in global commodity trade.
He noted that 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. This initiative aims to enhance regulatory oversight and prevent further instances of food adulteration.
The chairman of the Dawanau Market, Alhaji Mukhtar Isa, expressed support for the government’s crackdown, assuring full cooperation in identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
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He also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve market infrastructure, including the installation of solar-powered street lighting and boreholes. However, he acknowledged that frequent electricity shortages remain a major challenge for 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 grain markets.