A popular market in the ancient city of Kano, the Singer Market Development Association (SIMDA), has urged Dangote and BUA sugar companies to reduce the soaring price of this essential commodity in the country.
The organisation commended the Federal Government for granting waivers on the importation of essential commodities such as rice, pasta, and noodles, adding that this has led to a drop in the prices of these items in the market. This is a welcome development.
Making this known on Monday while speaking with the press in Kano, Alhaji Junaidu Muhammad Zakari, Chairman of SIMDA, said there is no justification for the price of sugar to remain high while it is produced locally.
“This is a commodity that is produced locally by Dangote and BUA. The exchange rate is also stabilising, as the rate of the dollar to the naira has relatively come down,” he said.
According to him, “The price of sugar has remained high since the announcement of fuel subsidy removal and the new exchange rate policy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He, however, stated that the price of the commodity should have decreased, given that the exchange rate is steadily stabilising in the foreign exchange market.
Alhaji Zakari said, “We are not happy with the price situation of sugar. We see no justification for its price to remain high.”
He added that while the prices of other commodities are falling, that of sugar has remained high, urging the producers to take necessary action, especially as the Ramadan season approaches.
“We therefore urge the producers of this essential commodity to reduce the price for the benefit of consumers, especially as the Ramadan season is fast approaching,” he said.
Commenting on why the prices of essential commodities are gradually decreasing, Mr Zakari said the Federal Government’s interventions, including waivers for the importation of rice, pasta, and noodles, had significantly contributed.
“We commend the Federal Government for granting waivers on the importation of essential commodities such as rice, pasta, and noodles.
“This has led to a reduction in the prices of these items in the market. This is a welcome development.
“People are now happy that the prices have gone down and are no longer apprehensive that they will rise again; and we hope that the waivers will be sustained for some time to come,” he said.
Alhaji Zakari then appealed to the Federal Government to create a competitive environment to encourage the establishment of more food processing companies in the country.
This, he said, would increase the production of foodstuffs such as pasta and noodles in the country, thus reducing their prices in the market.
He also urged the government to intensify efforts to develop agriculture, including the provision of improved seeds that would yield abundant harvests to further boost food security in the country.
He emphasised the need for the Federal Government to take more steps to further improve security in the country, enabling farmers to cultivate their land without fear, adding that this would further enhance food security.
He, however, stated, “We are aware that the security of lives and property has improved in the country, but we are urging the government to intensify efforts to further improve the situation.”
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then