“Katsina Grain Sellers and Consumers Advocate for Federal Government Intervention with Price Controls Amid Escalating Food Inflation Concerns”
In the face of mounting food inflation concerns, grain sellers and consumers in Katsina have united in their plea to the Federal Government (FG) for immediate intervention through the implementation of price controls. This urgent call was voiced during a comprehensive market survey conducted by journalists in collaboration with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Thursday.
Aliyu Maje, the esteemed chairman of grain sellers in Katsina, emphasized the critical necessity for this intervention, highlighting its potential to alleviate the financial burdens inflicted by the relentless surge in food commodity prices. Maje attributed the unsettling spike in prices, particularly of grains, to the nefarious activities of hoarders within the state, as well as the heightened demand from neighboring countries.
Detailing the exacerbating factors, Maje revealed, “People come from Niger Republic and other neighboring countries to buy grains, paying whatever prices they are quoted. This relentless external demand has significantly contributed to the exorbitant price hikes witnessed in our markets.” He shared a distressing anecdote, recounting how the price of maize surged by over N10,000 within a week, illustrating the alarming volatility in prices.
Echoing Maje’s sentiments, Kabiru Lawal, the vice-chairman of the grain sellers association at Chake market, underscored their reluctance to incessantly raise prices. Lawal expressed hope that the government’s implementation of price controls, coupled with a vigilant monitoring committee, could help alleviate the prevailing hardships faced by both sellers and consumers.
The sentiments of distress were echoed by consumers at the Katsina Central Market, who bemoaned the profound impact of skyrocketing food prices on their livelihoods. Yahaya Mohammed, one of the concerned consumers, lamented, “This has caused untold hardship to my family immensely.”
Abdulkarim Othman-Shehu, the North-West zonal coordinator of FCCPC, reaffirmed the commission’s unwavering commitment to addressing key consumer protection and competition issues plaguing the food sector. Othman-Shehu condemned the clandestine practices of certain market participants, including conspiracy, price gouging, and hoarding, which significantly contribute to market distortions and unjustifiable price hikes.
In light of these findings, Othman-Shehu pledged the FCCPC’s dedication to compiling a comprehensive report of its inquiry and presenting actionable recommendations to the government. Furthermore, he outlined the commission’s strategic initiatives aimed at fostering market competition, curbing anti-competitive practices, and ensuring fair pricing for consumers.
Through concerted efforts and strategic interventions, stakeholders in Katsina are fervently urging the FG to implement decisive measures, including price controls, to mitigate the adverse impacts of escalating food inflation and restore stability to the market.
