By Our Correspondent
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved the implemention of Food Security (Promotion) Order, aimed at curbing the illegal hoarding of essential commodities within the state.
Hotpen reports that, the gesture was part of Governor Dikko Radda’s efforts to safeguard its citizens from potential food shortages.
The order specifically targets staple grains such as rice, millet, maize, sorghum, cowpeas, and groundnuts, making the hoarding of these items now a punishable offense.
Under the order, violators face prosecution under Section 114 of the Penal Code Law of the State. Additionally, their hoarded commodities may be forcibly sold to the public at a controlled price, with proceeds subject to legal scrutiny.
The Executive order presents the penalty for violators as follows:
ii. The person and/or corporate entity in such contravention is liable for prosecution under Section 114 of the Penal Code Law of the State.
ii. The place used for the hoarding of the commodity shall, by warrant issued by the Court, be liable to be broken into, and the commodity be sold to the public at a controlled price.
iii. The proceeds of such sale shall be subject to determination in accordance with 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:
i. Identify food commodity hoarders within the State;
ii. Engage with stakeholders on food prices in the state;
iii. In collaboration with Security Agencies, arrest and prosecute violators of this Order;
iv. Control the buying and transporting of food commodities within and outside the state, including international borders;
v. Do all other things incidental or necessary for the enforcement of the provisions of this Order.
To enforce this measure effectively, a dedicated Task Force has been established. This diverse group is entrusted with identifying food hoarders, engaging stakeholders on food prices, collaborating with security agencies for arrests and prosecutions, and controlling the buying and transporting of food within and beyond state borders.
Governor Radda stressed the importance of collective effort in combating food insecurity: “We call upon all citizens, traders, and stakeholders to join us in this fight against food insecurity. By working together, we can ensure that everyone in Katsina has access to the food they need.”
