ONDO State government prohibited recently affiliated associations united with Ondo State artisan groups from establishing and enforcing uniform price regime for goods and services in the state.
A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo said the decision was taken in the overall socio-economic interest of the people of the State.
ACCORDING to the statement, “Government had before now, watched with discomfort and dismay, the economic suffocation of the people with unimaginable increases in prices of goods and services in markets, shops and other sales outlets across the state.
“EVEN without due regard for market forces, it is obvious that associations and unions are largely behind this unwholesome act.
“THE state government has decided to act decisively even as the public deserves protection from this undesirable exploitation under some guises.
“THEREFORE, fixing market prices and imposing fixed exorbitant prices on the people under the guise of association or union must be stopped forthwith.
WE welcome this development from the government and commended it for acting promptly on the matter by coming to the aid of people of the state and rescue them from indiscriminate and abuse hike in prices of goods and services.
OUR investigation revealed that prices of goods and services in Ondo State compare to other States in the South West are extremely high while traders are saying that they are comply with associations’ directives.
ASSOCIATION members have also complained that the levels imposed by associations are higher thereby increasing the price of goods and services rendered in order to make ends meet.
WE commend the State government for taking the bold step. It is the right step in the right direction. Not only would this give consumers a sigh of relief, but will also allow investors who were hitherto prevented by associations to invest in the economy of the State, create more employment and ultimately develop the State.
THE unbridled increase in the prices of goods and services is deeply worrisome. We recall the increment in the prices of sand from N25,000 to N40,000 which led to increase in the prices of blocks and other associated goods and services.
AS a matter of fact, the increase has caused excruciating effects on the different end-users, including the struggling segment of the society we thus feel that no responsible government would sit back and watch the citizens groan under an oppressive decision, no matter the cover.
GOVERNMENT’S timely reaction to the ugly scenes has affirmed the fact that the administration is committed to the well-being of its citizenry.
IT also showed that the government is listening to the yearnings of its people dispassionately and always on its guard to protect them and their interests.
WE encourage the government to put a strong platform in place that would prevent a further or future repeat of this trend. We feel that a price monitoring and marketing board that will control the excesses of shylock merchants should be put in place.
WE call it n the Consumer protection agency to be enlivened to its constitutional duties. We are amazed that this agency’s effect has not been felt in this state.
WE also charge the state government to invest in agriculture as a means of bringing down the prices of farm produce. Our lands in this state in very fertile for farming and therefore little efforts will be used for planting.
WE strongly feel that if government can create a very congenial environment for the practice of agriculture, things would still be improved than we witness now.