Niger State Governor Clarifies Stance on Food Purchase Regulations

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has clarified misconceptions regarding the state’s stance on the mass purchase of food items from the state to other states in the country.

He told reporters on Monday that he had only stopped bulk purchases of food from local markets to neighboring countries.

The governor recently halted the bulk purchase of food from local markets in the state.

However, some reports claimed that Bago had banned the sale and purchase of foods in bulk from Niger State to other Nigerian states.

Governor Bago emphasized that food items purchased in Niger State markets are not prohibited from being transported to other states in the country.

He explained that the decision was made to regulate sales and prevent exploitation by smugglers.

“We have markets in the local government headquarters, we have local markets in the bushes, now these aggregators or what do you call them — saboteurs and even smugglers go to these villages,” the governor said.

He highlighted the challenges faced by local farmers, including exploitation by middlemen and smugglers who divert agricultural produce to international markets.

Bago stressed the need to protect local industries and ensure fair market prices for farmers.

He explained that the ban on bulk purchases is addressing food inflation in the state and is yielding positive results.

The governor reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting local farmers and ensuring food security within the country.

He called for collaborative efforts to address challenges in the agricultural sector and promote sustainable development.