FROM MIJINYAWA BABA-UTHMAN,MINNA
Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has approved the establishment of Niger State Price Control and Monitoring Board.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman disclosed this shortly before inaugurating members of the Board in his Office.
Alhaji Usman further stated that the inauguration of eight members to 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 revealed that the Board is expected 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 among several others.
Other functions of the Board include to be responsible for 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, the SSG stated.
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. Their appointment underscores the Government's dedication to maintaining economic stability and safeguarding the interests of both consumers and businesses in the State.
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.
The newly appointed members are: Hamza Sarki Bello, Permanent Secretary, Investment, Aliyu Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Garba Abdullahi, Ministry of Basic Education, Adamu Maikasuwa, Ministry of Agriculture, DCP Aminu Garba, Nigeria Police, Niger State Command, Aminu Ladan, Chairman, Chanchaga Local Government while Usman Liman, retired Statistician-General will serve as the Secretary of the Board.
