Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina state on Friday issued the Food Security (Promotion) Order, effectively prohibiting the illegal hoarding of food and essential commodities in the state.
The order defines food commodities as including staple grains like rice, millet, maize, sorghum, cowpeas, and groundnuts. Hoarding these items will now be punishable.
A statement by Governor Dikko’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed in Katsina on Friday evening confirmed the development.
The statement emphasised that contravention of the new Order by any person shall render:
” 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 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 in accordance with the prevailing laws on proceeds of crime.”
The statement further revealed that ‘ a dedicated Task Force’ had been established to ensure its effective enforcement.
The new task force, according to the statement, comprised “diverse group of individuals who will, among others, identify food commodity hoarders within the State; engage with stakeholders on food prices in the state; and in collaboration with security agencies, arrest and prosecute violators of the order.
The task force members will also control the buying and transporting of food commodities within and outside the state, including international borders.
The statement added that members of the task force will also” do all other things incidental or necessary for the enforcement of the provisions of this Order.”
Governor Radda was quoted as saying . “We call upon all citizens, traders, and stakeholders to join us in this fight against food insecurity,” he said. By working together, we can ensure that everyone in Katsina has access to the food they need.”