The Katsina State governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has issued a Food Security (Promotion) Order, effectively prohibiting hoarding of food and essential commodities within the State.
The order indicated that the state government would not be tolerant of any practice threatening the well-being of residents of the State.
Accordingly, the order also defines food commodities as including staple grains like rice, millet, maize, sorghum, cowpeas, and groundnuts, stating that hoarding the items will now be punishable.
A statement issued by the Governor’s chief press secretary (CPS), Ibrahim Kaula, on Saturday, warned that the contravention of the Executive Order by any person or business organisation shall be met with stringent consequences.
“The person and/or corporate entity in such contravention is liable for prosecution under Section 114 of the Penal Code Law of the State.
“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 Task Force. 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,” the statement explained.
The governor underscored the collaborative nature of the initiative, calling on all citizens, traders, and stakeholders to join in the fight against food insecurity to ensure that every citizen of the state has access to food.