The Kano State Government has issued a strong warning to traders involved in food adulteration, announcing potential legal action following a series of arrests at the Dawanau International Grains Market.
The crackdown was confirmed by the Commissioner for Commerce, Investment, and Industry, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, during his visit to the market on Thursday.
“This crackdown follows the seizure of 82 tonnes of allegedly adulterated sesame seeds, valued at an estimated N180 million, by a Task Force operating within the market,” Sagagi explained.
He expressed concern over the severe impact of food adulteration, stressing that such practices jeopardize “the image and age-long integrity of the market and damage to the state’s reputation in the global commodity trade.”
With the Dawanau market being vital to both food security and international commerce, he emphasized the necessity of preserving its credibility.
To address the issue of food adulteration, Sagagi revealed plans by the Kano State Government to create a Commodity Exchange Department within the market.
This initiative aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and curb future incidents of adulteration.
Chairman of the Dawanau Market, Alhaji Mukhtar Isa, expressed his full support for the state’s actions and promised full cooperation in identifying and prosecuting the culprits.
He also noted the market’s ongoing efforts to improve its infrastructure, including the installation of solar-powered street lights and boreholes. However, he pointed out that electricity shortages continue to pose significant challenges for traders.
In addition, the Federal Produce Inspection Service reiterated its commitment to enforcing market regulations and pledged to take strict action against those found guilty of adulterating food products.
The Kano State Government’s decisive stance signals a determined effort to protect consumer health, promote fair trade, and uphold the reputation of one of Nigeria’s largest grain markets.
