The Gombe State Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on Friday Iconducted a significant operation against traders at the Gombe market involved in unethical practices.
According to The PUNCH, these traders had manipulated their mudus—a traditional tool for measuring grains—to increase their profits.
The operation also included an educational component, advising marketers on the importance of reducing commodity prices to support residents during the current economic difficulties.
The State Commandant, Muhammad Bello, accompanied by Corps members and officials from the Gombe Local Government Area, explained that the crackdown was a response to increasing concerns about unfair weighing practices in the market amidst economic challenges.
Bello highlighted that with inflation on the rise and the cost of living becoming more challenging, businesses have a responsibility to ease the financial burden on consumers.
He pointed out that tampering with mudus not only misleads customers by providing them with less than they paid for but also undermines market trust and trading integrity.
“This unethical practice erodes trust in the market and compromises the integrity of the entire trading system. It also contributes to the growing challenges being faced by many, adding to the pain caused by the hardship,” Bello stated.
He warned that non-compliance with the regulations would result in strict consequences, including arrest and potential prosecution.
Gombe LGA Chairman, Barrister Sani Haruna, emphasized that the visit aimed to educate traders on adhering to market trends rather than fixed pricing for essential goods.
He criticized the use of tampered measuring bowls, which maintain high prices even when wholesale prices decrease, exacerbating the public’s hardship.
“We are also warning those marketers using tampered bowls to measure rice, beans, and other foodstuffs for their customers at the same high price. They sell the goods at the same price even when the wholesale price drops. This is very bad and has added to the suffering of our people,” Haruna said.
He assured that the local government council plans to introduce new, fair measurement mudus for both buyers and sellers. Any trader found using a different bowl would face penalties for cheating customers.
“When that is done, we will have a universal measurement bowl that will be used, and any trader caught using a different bowl will face the consequences of cheating innocent customers. We are currently engaging all stakeholders involved to ensure that everything is done fairly,” he added.
Market buyers praised the NSCDC’s efforts to ensure fairness and transparency. Usman Bappah, who was at the market to purchase rice and other grains, commended the officials for taking action against dishonest practices.
“We face numerous challenges, both in government and in the markets, and in all corners of society. Our leaders need to be just and fair in all their dealings and ensure that the rule of law is followed in every action and practice to drive meaningful development of our state and country,” Bappah said.
