Opinion
The Dishonesty of Some Marketers: My Experience with Contaminated Tiger Nuts
By Rukayya Adamu Toro
On Sunday, August 18, 2024, I visited Wunti Market in Bauchi State to buy tiger nuts. I planned to make a snack called ‘aya mai sugar’ (sugar-coated tiger nuts) to sell. I had high hopes for this small business venture, thinking it would be a smooth process that would allow me to earn some small change while also enjoying the experience of making and selling something people would love. I purchased a mudu of tiger nuts for 1,200 naira, expecting everything to go well. However, what followed was both surprising and deeply concerning.
When I got home, I eagerly began the process of sorting through the tiger nuts, feeling a sense of anticipation as I imagined the final product. I spent an hour meticulously picking out the bad nuts, removing stones, and sifting through the dirt that had come with the purchase. As I worked, I noticed a strange smell coming from the nuts, a smell that reminded me of metal. It was odd, but I didn’t think much of it at the time. I assumed that once I washed the nuts, the smell would disappear, and everything would be fine.
However, after washing the nuts, I was shocked to find that the tiger nuts tasted like fuel. The strong, unpleasant taste was unmistakable, and it immediately set off alarm bells in my mind. This was not normal, and I couldn’t ignore it. Worried, I asked my mom to taste the nuts as well, hoping that maybe I was just imagining things. But she confirmed my worst fears—the tiger nuts indeed had a strong fuel-like taste. It was clear that something was very wrong with them.
In an attempt to salvage the situation, I decided to soak the nuts in salt water, hoping that it would remove the bad taste and smell. I thought maybe, just maybe, this would solve the problem, and I could still use the nuts as planned. But after soaking them, the taste and smell remained unchanged. The realization hit me hard: the tiger nuts were contaminated and not safe to eat.
This situation was more than just a minor inconvenience. I had planned to sell these sugar-coated tiger nuts, and the thought of selling something potentially harmful was terrifying. What if someone got seriously ill or worse because of what I sold? The responsibility weighed heavily on me, and I knew I couldn’t just let this go.
Determined to understand what had gone wrong, I decided to return to the market and speak to the shopkeeper. I hoped they could provide some answers or at least offer a solution. When I confronted the shopkeeper, I was surprised by their response. They admitted that they knew the tiger nuts were contaminated. They explained that the truck carrying the nuts had an accident, causing gas to leak and spoil the nuts. They even mentioned that another customer had returned her purchase for the same reason, and they had exchanged hers without any issue.
However, when I requested an exchange, I was met with resistance. Because I had soaked the nuts, they refused to exchange them right away. They only agreed to exchange them if I dried the nuts and brought them back the next day. This response was frustrating, but what they said next was even more concerning. The shopkeeper mentioned that they would mix the contaminated nuts with new ones before selling them again.
I was appalled by their lack of concern for customer safety. Selling contaminated tiger nuts that could harm people is not just dishonest—it’s dangerous. The fact that they admitted to knowingly selling bad nuts and even planned to continue doing so was shocking. Just because I only bought one mudu doesn’t mean I should stay silent. As someone who planned to sell these snacks, I couldn’t imagine risking people’s health like that.
At that moment, I wished I could sue them because of the attitude they showed. I was really on the verge of tears because of how angry I was. I couldn’t believe the level of dishonesty I had encountered. I thought that because the shopkeeper was an elder, he should at least be honest. But instead, they deceived me, selling me contaminated nuts without any warning. They should have told me before I made the purchase, but they didn’t. And now, I’m deeply worried about how they said they will mix the contaminated ones with the new ones when they make another purchase.
This experience has taught me the importance of being vigilant and speaking out when something isn’t right. We all need to ensure that dishonest sellers are held accountable so that everyone stays safe. It’s not just about me or my small business—it’s about the health and safety of anyone who might consume these products.
As I reflect on what happened, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of disappointment. I trusted the shopkeeper, believing that they would sell me a good product. But instead, they took advantage of my trust and sold me something dangerous. It’s hard to shake the feeling of betrayal, especially knowing that this could have had serious consequences if I hadn’t noticed the contamination in time.
I also can’t stop thinking about the other customers who might not be as vigilant. What if someone else bought those contaminated nuts and didn’t notice the smell or taste until it was too late? The thought of someone getting sick because of this negligence is horrifying. It’s clear that more needs to be done to hold sellers accountable and ensure that this kind of dishonesty doesn’t continue.
In the end, this experience has strengthened my resolve to be careful and to always prioritize safety, both for myself and for others. I’ll continue with my plan to make and sell *aya mai sugar*, but I’ll be much more cautious about where I source my ingredients. And I’ll always speak up when something isn’t right, because staying silent in the face of dishonesty only allows it to continue.
We all deserve to feel confident that the food we buy and consume is safe. It’s up to all of us to demand honesty and integrity from those we do business with. And it’s up to the sellers to uphold those standards, because the consequences of failing to do so can be far-reaching and devastating.
In the end, I’m grateful that I discovered the contamination before it was too late. But the experience has left me with a lasting reminder of the importance of vigilance and the dangers of dishonesty in the marketplace. We all need to stay alert, speak out, and hold those who engage in these practices accountable. Only then can we create a safer and more trustworthy environment for everyone.
Rukayya is a 200-level student at Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi State, Yuli Campus.
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
On assumption of duty in January, 2025 , the new Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Boss and well grounded World Bank expert , Aisha Garba envisaged the need to reposition the Basic Education through interfacing with the critical stakeholders.
Amongst them is the office of the National Security Adviser , NSA, led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu whose achievements in the last few years in the area of security has become distinct and outstanding.
Therefore, seeking to cooperate and collaborate with the office became germane and needful particularly the protection of lives and properties of actors in the promotion of Basic Education ranging from the pupils , teachers , workers and facilitators to enable it drive the new wave to curb Out of School Children OOSC in the country.
Aside providing the basic security arrangements for schools , the need to engage the security apparatus at the level of National Security Adviser NSA became needful, so as to address the sophistry of security problems in the country, to nip in the bud any unforseen circumstances.
With the high rates of kidnappings, abduction , banditry, cattle rustling, ritual tendencies among many other vices, the idea of bringing on board , the security architecture of the country in all ramifications will assist the commission to consolidate the implementation of Basic Education policies and programs, also introduce new ones .
Since pupils at the Primary, Junior Secondary and Secondary Schools are prone to such ugly development and security issues , the need to be proactive on the part of the commission became timely and desiring.
This led to the success story of the bilateral interface between the management of the commission and NSA, to streamline, perfect and chart a new course on the issue of security of actors in the Basic Education.
The visit described as timely and long overdue, discussed fruitfully the way forward and the immediate and long term intervention of both agencies in the area of collaboration.
According to the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba she stated by discussing” strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access and security in Nigeria. ”
She further said” the engagement focused on strategies to address challenges such as the safety of schools, particularly in vulnerable regions, and the promotion of equitable education for all children.”
“the meeting highlighted the critical intersection between education and national security and the need for collaboration between UBEC and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on improving access to basic education and safety of safety schools across the nation. ”
“This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive learning environment as part of its broader agenda to strengthen the nation’s educational framework,” it added.
“UBEC boss had pledged to engage critical stakeholders to break down barriers to education and create inclusive learning opportunities for children across the six geopolitical regions of the country.”
“She said: “My goal is to deliver on this mandate which includes strengthening collaboration, partnerships and institutional learning for effective service delivery. ”
“Together, we will work to increase access, improve quality, provide conducive and safe learning environments, supply adequate teaching and learning materials, and adopt the concept of ‘best fit’ in addressing specific basic education challenges, state by state and region by region”.
Highlights of the program which included the engagement of both bodies with a commitment to ensure the introduction of security architecture in schools in Nigeria is achievable.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.