The Bayelsa State Government has warned traders and supermarket owners to desist from selling expired products to members of the public or be ready to face the law.
The State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment Dr. Ebieri Jones, who gave the warning, said the government will not fold its hands and watch the trend continue because of the serious health implications on the lives of the people.
He said the government will carry out regular checks to ensure that expired and adulterated products are not sold to those who are the end users.
"We have received information about the sale of expired products. We therefore by this notice call on all supermarkets and traders engaged in such acts to forthwith desist or face the law.
"The public is hereby advised to be watchful and report cases of this nature to the Trade Department of the Ministry. The Ministry further wishes to inform the public that spot checks on stores, markets, and supermarkets will be carried out regularly and is aimed at protecting consumers from consuming expired and adulterated products in the State.
"In exercise of its functions, the Ministry will soon conduct a survey of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to aid government in planning and to carry out business places registration exercise. We therefore seek the cooperation of all stakeholders in this regards."
In another development, the state government, in its quest to enhance the collaboration with banks operating in the state, has solicited for more partnerships to drive the economic policies of the Senator Douye Diri administration.
Jones, at a meeting with managers and representatives of banks in the state, said it is important to deepen the existing relationship between the government and the financial institutions.
While commending the bank officials for honouring his invitation at a short notice, the Commissioner said the main purpose of the meeting was to strategically brainstorm on possible ways to support MSMEs and hold investment programs that will be of benefit to the people.
He noted that the Prosperity Administration of Senator Diri has created an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state, stressing that Bayelsa is peaceful and accommodating.
In their separate responses, the bank officials lauded the Commissioner for initiating the meeting and providing ideas for robust partnership that will be of mutual benefit to their organization and the government.
They assured of their commitment to ensuring that the state feel the impact of their presence by increasing their contributions to the economic growth of the state through value addition and other cooperate social responsibilities.
