In a bid to curb the soaring prices of food items and prevent consumer exploitation, the Sokoto State Hisbah Board on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, convened a one-day meeting with various marketers’ associations, food vendors, and the State Chamber of Commerce to deliberate on the rising cost of essential commodities across the state.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director General of the Sokoto State Hisbah Board, Nura Abdullahi Attajiri, said the objective was to find lasting solutions through collaboration among traders and other stakeholders.
He noted that the discussions focused on identifying the causes of price hikes, promoting transparency, and fostering cooperation between sellers and buyers to ensure fair and affordable prices for basic goods.
“All food vendors should fear Almighty Allah in the discharge of their businesses and avoid exploiting their customers,” Attajiri cautioned.
He expressed concern that despite a 30 to 40 percent drop in the prices of many food items in recent months, some vendors still sell at inflated rates, further burdening ordinary citizens.
Presenting statistics to support his point, the Hisbah DG revealed that the price of local rice had dropped from ₦180,000 to ₦90,000 per bag, while imported rice declined from ₦90,000 to ₦55,000.
“Despite this significant reduction, many traders have refused to adjust their prices accordingly,” he lamented.
In his remarks, the President of the Sokoto State Chamber of Commerce, Mu’azu Yakubu Ma’aji, urged marketers to be considerate and compassionate toward the public.
He encouraged them to monitor market trends and support initiatives aimed at easing the financial burden on consumers, assuring that the Chamber would continue to partner with the Hisbah Board and other stakeholders to find practical solutions.
Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, represented by Hassan Aliyu Arkillah, commended the Hisbah Board for its efforts in promoting moral conduct and fairness in business transactions.
He equally urged food vendors to fear Allah and uphold honesty and integrity in their dealings.
The meeting, held at the Hisbah Board’s premises, was attended by representatives of traders’ associations, food vendors, and other key stakeholders from across Sokoto State.
