By Stephen Ojo
The Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has approved the establishment of the Niger State Price Control and Monitoring Board to stabilise prices of essential commodities in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman inaugurated the board on Thursday in Minna .
He said, “the inauguration of the eight members of the Niger State Price Control and Monitoring Board marks a significant step in the State’s commitment to ensuring fair pricing and consumer protection”.
He explained that the Board has the mandate to control and stabilize prices of essential commodities across the State, eradicate or reduce to the barest minimum hoarding of essential commodities and quick response to handling of issues that may arise as a result of enforcement and penalty for contravention of guidelines.
Other functions of the Board, according to the SSG, include the distribution, monitoring and evaluation of essential commodities, keep price under continuous surveillance, interpret price movement and relate them to other development in the State’s economy.
According to the SSG, “the Board is expected to interface with relevant stakeholders such as Local Government Chairmen, Traditional Institutions, Councilors, Market Associations and Sarkin Kasuwan with a view to ensuring seamless and harmonious working relationships”
He enjoined the newly inaugurated members to bring their wealth of experience and expertise in economics, consumer affairs, and market dynamics.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board and retired Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Hussaini Ahmed assured the State Government that the Board will interface with relevant stakeholders within and outside the State in order to bring succour to the populace.