The Kano State government has pledged to prosecute the owners of contaminated sesame confiscated at the Dawanau International Grain Market to safeguard public health in the state.
A total of 82 tons of adulterated grains, valued at ₦180 million and intended for export to China, were intercepted by the market task force in collaboration with the Federal Product Inspection Service.
During an inspection of the seized sesame on Wednesday, Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Industry, Shehu Wada Sagagi, issued a stern warning, stating that the government will no longer tolerate unethical practices in the market.
Leading a team of consumer protection officials and enforcement agencies, Sagagi confirmed that an investigation is underway to identify those responsible for the adulteration. He assured that the culprits would face legal action.
The Commissioner emphasized the government’s determination to hold traders and market associations accountable, ensuring that a few bad actors do not tarnish the state’s business reputation.
“We are here to issue a strong warning to those engaged in such malpractice. This is an international grain market, and the government will not allow anyone to damage Kano’s reputation,” Sagagi stated.
“We have seized these adulterated grains, and investigations have commenced. Anyone found guilty—regardless of their status—will be prosecuted. We will not allow any export from Kano to be labeled substandard,” he added.
Earlier, the Zonal Commander of the Northwest Federal Product Inspection Service, Mr. Obi Anthony, detailed how the grains were confiscated after failing export quality checks.
He revealed that the seized products contained low-quality brown sesame mixed with dust and small amounts of white sesame to deceive foreign buyers.
Anthony advised international business partners to verify the quality of their goods through relevant agencies and assured that his service remains committed to eliminating substandard grain from the Dawanau market.
Meanwhile, Muntaka Isa, Chairman of the Dawanau Market Association, pledged the association’s cooperation with the Kano State Government to eradicate adulterated grains from the market.