“Kano Anti-Corruption Commission Cracks Down on Marketers Behind Flour Price Hikes”
The Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCAC) has intensified its investigation into the artificially inflated prices of flour in the state, targeting several marketers and dealers implicated in the price surge.
The investigation follows significant public concern over the high cost of flour, a staple commodity in Kano. The PCAC, led by Chairman Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, has been working to uncover and address the causes behind the sudden price hikes.
During a meeting with the Singer Provision and Essential Commodities Market on Friday, Rimin Gado announced that the Commission has identified seven shops and dealers responsible for the price increase. These entities have been implicated in manipulating the flour market to boost prices unfairly.
The Commission has secured seven court orders to prosecute those involved in the price manipulations. Among the accused is a major dealer who has been actively avoiding arrest and has yet to respond to legal summons.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has been directly involved in addressing the issue. He has given the PCAC a mandate to quickly address the artificial price hikes affecting flour and other essential commodities. Governor Yusuf has also engaged with both the Singer Marketers Association and the Bakers Association to understand and resolve the issue.
In response to the findings, a new supply arrangement has been established. The Singer Marketers Association will now supply flour directly to bakeries, bypassing intermediate retailers who were found to be inflating prices. This measure is intended to stabilize prices and ensure that consumers are not unfairly burdened.
The PCAC has already taken action by closing down seven shops involved in the price gouging. The Commission is committed to tracking down the evasive dealer and ensuring that all those responsible are brought to justice. Chairman Rimin Gado has warned that no matter how far the suspects flee, they will be pursued and held accountable for their actions.
The PCAC’s actions reflect a broader commitment to combat corruption and ensure market fairness in Kano. By addressing the root causes of the price increases and implementing direct supply measures, the Commission aims to protect consumers from exploitation and restore integrity to the local market.