The Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has implemented a directive to uphold food security by outlawing the unlawful stockpiling of food and vital goods within the state.
The directive made it clear that the state government would not accept any activities that jeopardize the safety and welfare of its residents.
As a result, the directive now categorizes essential food items such as rice, millet, maize, sorghum, cowpeas, and groundnuts as food commodities, and stockpiling these products will now be subject to penalties.
A warning has been issued by the chief press secretary, Ibrahim Kaula, stating that failure to comply with this directive will result in legal action. Offenders, whether individuals or companies, will be subject to prosecution under Section 114 of the state’s Penal Code Law.
“The place used for the hoarding of the commodity shall, by a warrant issued by the court, be liable to be broken into, and the commodity be sold to the public at a controlled price.
“The proceeds of such sale shall be subject to determination by the prevailing laws on proceeds of crime.
“To ensure effective enforcement, the order establishes a dedicated taskforce. This diverse group of individuals will be responsible for identifying food commodity hoarders within the state, engaging with stakeholders on food prices in the state, collaborating with security agencies, arresting and prosecuting violators of this order;
“Control the buying and transporting of food commodities within and outside the state, including international borders; do all other things incidental or necessary for the enforcement of the provisions of this order.”
