NSCDC clamps down on Gombe traders over sharp practices

The Gombe State Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on Friday clamped down on traders in the Gombe market for unwholesome illicit practices.

Our correspondent gathered that the traders had tampered with their mudus.

A mudu is a measurement aid used for measuring grains, and many sellers have tampered with them to maximise profit.

The raid also included the sensitisation of the marketers on the need to reduce the prices of commodities to support residents amid the economic hardship facing the country.

Speaking during a visit alongside the Corps and the Gombe Local Government Area, Commandant Muhammad Bello said the crackdown followed growing concerns over the use of unfair weighing practices in the market amid economic hardship.

Bello noted that with inflation rising and the cost of living becoming increasingly burdensome for many Nigerians, businesses must do their part to alleviate the financial strain on consumers.

He explained that traders using tampered mudus (measuring aids) not only distort the accurate weight of goods but also deceive customers who unknowingly receive less than what they pay for.

“This unethical practice erodes trust in the market and compromises the integrity of the entire trading system. It also contributes to the growing challenges being faced by many, adding to the pain caused by the hardship,” Bello added.

According to him, failure to comply with the regulations will result in severe consequences, including arrest and possible prosecution.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Gombe LGA, Barrister Sani Haruna, stated that the visit was not for arrest but rather to sensitise the traders on the need to follow market trends rather than adhering to fixed prices for essential commodities.

Haruna said, “We are also warning those marketers using tampered bowls to measure rice, beans, and other foodstuffs for their customers at the same high price.

“They sell the goods at the same price even when the wholesale price drops. This is very bad and has added to the suffering of our people.”

He assured that the local government council is working on introducing new measurement mudus that will be fair to both buyers and sellers.

“When that is done, we will have a universal measurement bowl that will be used, and any trader caught using a different bowl will face the consequences of cheating innocent customers. We are currently engaging all stakeholders involved to ensure that everything is done fairly,” he added.

Some buyers at the market lauded the intervention of the NSCDC in ensuring transparency and fairness in the market.
Usman Bappah, a customer who was in the market to buy rice and other grains, disclosed that the officials had done well by stepping up to enforce these measures against traders engaged in dishonest practices.

“We face numerous challenges, both in government and in the markets, and in all corners of society. Our leaders need to be just and fair in all their dealings and ensure that the rule of law is followed in every action and practice to drive meaningful development of our state and country,” he added.