The Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) in Kano state has revealed that it has set up an intelligence mechanism to hunt traders hoarding essential commodities with a view to addressing rising inflation in the state.
Addressing newsmen on Thursday 8 February 2024, Chairman of the commission, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, said that PCACC has been under intense pressure to act against such traders following the current economic realities in the nation.
Rimin Gado said that the commission achieved breakthrough in 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic when traders were hoarding food items to sell at high prices.
He noted further; “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”.
The Chairman who called on those hoarding food items to desist from it or face consequences, added that the prevailing situation should not be solely blamed on foreign exchange crisis as some of the commodities were produced locally and therefore no excuse for the soaring prices.
Rimin Gado, said some persons were hijacking the situation for personal gains.
He emphasized that section 40 of the PCACC enabling law empowers the commission to auction goods it impounds from would-be offenders of the law.
Commenting on the threat by commodities traders to shut down market because of high prices of foods, the Chairman disclosed that any trader threatening to close shop is supporting those hoarding essential products and that state government would not allow the escalation of the situation.
He attributed the current political crisis in Sudan to increase in the price of bread which triggered nationwide protest leading to the political crisis experienced in the country.
Rimin Gado urged residents to report traders hoarding goods, stressing that the commission would swing into action, especially as Ramadan fast draws closer.
Recall that the Kano state Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had during a meeting with the business community on Monday, expressed worries over hunger and starvation coupled with rising prices of essential commodities in Kano, vowing to relate the matter to the President.
