The Kano State Government has vowed to take strong legal action against traders involved in food adulteration following a series of arrests at the Dawanau International Grains Market.
The announcement was made by Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, the Commissioner for Commerce, Investment, and Industry, during a visit to the market on Wednesday.
READ ALSO: Kano market closed over rising immoral activities
The crackdown comes after a Task Force operating within the market seized 82 tonnes of sesame seeds, allegedly adulterated, with an estimated worth of N180 million.
Commissioner Sagagi stressed the gravity of the situation, warning that such practices jeopardize the integrity of the market and tarnish the state’s reputation in international commodity trade.
According to the commissioner, Dawanau Market plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and supporting global trade, making it vital to protect its credibility. To address the issue, the Kano State Government plans to establish a Commodity Exchange Department at the market, aimed at bolstering regulatory oversight and preventing further adulteration.
The chairman of the Dawanau Market, Alhaji Mukhtar Isa, expressed support for the government’s efforts, promising full cooperation in identifying those responsible for the adulteration. Isa also discussed ongoing initiatives to enhance market infrastructure, including the installation of solar-powered street lighting and boreholes. However, he acknowledged that frequent electricity shortages continue to pose challenges.
In addition, the Federal Produce Inspection Service reiterated its commitment to enforcing market regulations and vowed to take decisive action against anyone found guilty of adulterating food products.
