By: Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
In a sweeping move to safeguard public health, the Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency (JISEPA) has seized and destroyed expired consumable goods valued at over ₦14.4 million during its routine sanitary inspections across the state’s 27 Local Government Areas.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the agency’s Managing Director, Mr. Adamu Sabo, and made available in Dutse. According to him, the expired items—ranging from food products to other consumables—were confiscated from markets, shops, stores, and commercial outlets between January and June 2025, during the first and second quarter inspection exercise.
“The total value of seized items stands at ₦14,447,650.00, and all products have been destroyed after undergoing due legal processes including verification, documentation, and official condemnation,” Mr. Sabo stated.
He emphasized that the operation is part of JISEPA’s statutory mandate to enforce environmental health standards and is legally backed by Section 5(1)(2) of the Jigawa State Environmental Protection Law (2009 as amended) and Section 125(1) of the Public Health Security Law (2024).
“The seized items were found to be expired, improperly stored, contaminated, or generally unsafe for human consumption,” Sabo said. “This exercise is not punitive—it is preventive. It is about protecting lives and ensuring our communities are not exposed to hazardous goods.”
He reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to continue working with market associations, shop owners, and local leaders to enforce environmental and public health laws, and called on the public to support the initiative by reporting unsanitary or illegal practices.
“Together, we can build a safer, healthier, and more responsible Jigawa State,” he urged.
The agency’s action has been widely commended by residents and public health advocates who see it as a firm step toward improved consumer safety and hygiene enforcement across the state.