Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has called on traders to desist from hoarding foodstuffs for profit.
Sule made the call during a meeting with members of the Nasarawa State Traders and Marketers Association at the Government House, Lafia, stating the need for collective action to combat the practice of hoarding essential food items.
The governor expressed concern over the tendency of some traders to buy and hoard food items, waiting for prices to skyrocket before selling.
He pointed out the insensitivity of such actions, particularly during a period when many people struggle to afford basic necessities.
Governor Sule urged the traders’ association to educate its members about the negative impacts of hoarding food items, stating that such practices contribute to food scarcity and exacerbate the suffering of the populace.
“It is high time we come together to help ourselves. It is inconsiderate for someone to hoard food items while waiting for the prices to soar before selling them,” Governor Sule stated.
He further emphasized the moral responsibility of traders to ensure that essential commodities were accessible and affordable to all, particularly in the face of widespread hunger and economic challenges.
In response, the President of the Nasarawa State Traders and Marketers Association, Musa Turaki-Gamji, affirmed the union’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to alleviate the plight of the people.
Musa revealed that the association had initiated a campaign to sensitize traders across the state about the need to support government initiatives aimed at ensuring food security and affordability for all residents.
