Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has provided clarification, emphasizing that his actions were aimed at addressing the activities of middlemen and individuals engaging in the bulk purchase of rice and other grains within the state.
He highlighted that such activities have been driving up prices locally and in other regions, thereby causing shortages of essential raw materials for local mills and food processing factories.
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Bago made these remarks in Abuja on Monday, addressing misconceptions regarding his stance on the mass purchase of food items from Niger State for export to other states and countries. He clarified that he specifically halted bulk purchases of food for export to neighboring countries, while local markets remain accessible for regular transactions.
