Niger Governor Stops Mass Purchase Of Foods

Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago and his Cabinets

The governor issued this directive in response to a large-scale demonstration against rising inflation and Nigeria's current economic woes that shook the state capital, Minna.

The governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, has outlawed traders from other states in the union from buying food in bulk in the state's local markets.

This decision is expected to have a significant impact on multiple regions, as it pertains to a crucial food source for the nation.

Any truck found removing food from villages, according to the governor, will be seized and its contents given to the general public.

The governor issued this directive in response to a large-scale demonstration against rising inflation and Nigeria's current economic woes that shook the state capital, Minna.

Speaking in a video that AIT News posted and that was visible on X (formerly Twitter), the governor said that the protest was sparked by false information that the state government intended to stockpile food palliatives in the state in spite of the extreme hunger that the populace was experiencing.

He said, “On your way en route Lagos to Abuja, a lot of trucks going to the north will pass through either Minna or Lambata, through Sarki Pawa to cut short the high cost of fuel.

These individuals had gone to inform the masses about food that the government was bringing in on a permanent basis. They thus hinted to the masses that food was on its way to Minna in the form of truckloads of food. And the power was agitated by the fact that it was going straight to some stores for sharing with you.

“Trucks who come to park or buy foodstuff from our villagers in bulk should be halted for now. We have stopped mass purchase from our local markets, in all our local government from now until further notice. Anybody found doing that, we have given security agencies to go ahead to confiscate those trucks and share the foods to the people.”

Videos from Monday showed how the demonstrators shut down major thoroughfares while bemoaning the lack of action from the government to stop the situation with food prices rising.

While police officers and other security personnel watched, the demonstrators could be heard chanting protest songs.