Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) says it has activated its intelligence mechanism to hunt traders hoarding essential commodities with a view to addressing rising inflation in the state.
Chairman of the commission, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, told newsmen on Thursday that PCACC has been under intense pressure to act against such traders because of the prevailing economic situation in the country.
He said the commission achieved breakthrough in 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic when traders were hoarding food items to sell at exorbitant prices.
”Sugar is now sold at over 73000 naira, it is unimaginable. Yesterday I visited some rice mills in Kano and we discovered that that the price of 50kg is 58000,” Muhyi said.
While calling on those hoarding food items to desist or face prosecution, the chairman said the current situation should not be solely blamed on foreign exchange crisis as some of the commodities were produced locally and therefore no justification for the hike in prices,
He said some persons were taking advantage of the situation to maximize profits.
According to him section 40 of the PCACC enabling law empowers the commission to auction goods it impounds from would-be offenders of the law.
On the threat by commodities traders to close market because of rising prices of foods, Rimin Gado said any trader threatening to close shop is supporting those hoarding essential products and that state government would not fold its arms and watch thing degenerate.
He traced the current political crisis in Sudan to increase in the price of bread which triggered nationwide protest leading to the political crisis ravaging the country.
He appealled to residents to report traders hoarding goods, saying the commission would swing into action, especially with the approach of Ramadan fast.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had during a meeting with the business community on Monday, raised concern over hunger and starvation coupled with rising prices of essential commodities in Kano, pledging to take up the matter with President Bola Tinubu.
