In a decisive move to ensure food security for its citizens, the Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, today issued the Food Security (Promotion) Order, effectively prohibiting the illegal hoarding of food and essential commodities within the state.
The order sends a clear message that the Katsina State Government will not tolerate practices that threaten the well-being of residents 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.
The contravention of this Order by any person shall render:
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.
The Governor emphasized the collaborative nature of this initiative. “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.”
