The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, is taking steps to combat
the current hike in food prices in the State, urging for the
collaboration and support of all stakeholders to proffer lasting
solutions to the incessant price surge and guarantee better welfare
for the people of the State.
Obaseki met with relevant stakeholders including market associations,
traders, and farmers’ unions, among others, at the Urhokpota Hall, in
Benin City, to chart actionable measures to address the rising cost of
living, particularly food prices in the State.
He said, “I called this meeting because of the cost of living in
Nigeria as things are hard, especially the prices of food. The people
can’t eat anymore and as an administration, we can’t just keep quiet
but to act.”
Obaseki continued: “We have called this meeting to see how to solve
this problem as trading blames will not lead to any solution to the
serious challenges we are facing. All problems have solutions, and we
are here to discuss and see how to solve this high price hike
challenges facing us.
“You said trade unions are people fixing prices, but I don’t know how
they work to achieve that in the market. I want to know how they fix
prices. I thought it was demand and supply that controlled the prices.
“If we say unions are the problem then we must look at the unions and
their activities and how to control them. We must set up a committee
to check and look at the activities that lead to price hike. The
committee will help us know if they are doing anything against the
law.”
Obaseki noted, “This meeting shows that bad road has a role to play in
price increment in our markets. I have been begging the Federal
Government to help repair and fix the Ekpoma/Auchi Road since when
Babatunde Fashola was Minister for Works but no results till now. I
appeal to them to ensure contractors complete the road which has been
on for over 30 years. I have approached Dangote and BUA to support us
in doing the bad portion of the road because their trucks ply that
route.”
Speaking on the measures put in place to address the hike in food
prices, the Governor stated that his administration will support
farmers to expedite efforts towards increased local production of food
crops in the State.
The governor also promised to ensure adequate security for farmers to
enable them to continue with their farming activities, while also
reassuring the farmers that the government will fix their tractors and
send them to their various local government councils to help them
prepare for the 2024 farming seasons.
Earlier, Solomon Idiogbe, representative of the Edo Civil Society
Organization appealed to the governor to help check the activities of
Unions across various markets in the State as they significantly
contribute to the rising cost of goods and services in Edo.
Also, Edo State Market Women Association leader, Madam Blackky
Ogiamien, commended the Governor for his administration’s commitment
to the welfare of Edo citizens, particularly in the area of security.
Also in attendance were: Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion
Ogie Esq.; Commissioner for Business, Trade and Cooperatives, Hon.
Patrick Uanseru; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon.
Stephen Idehenre; Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon.
Kingsley Uwagbale; Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion
Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi; Oredo Local Government Council
Chairman, Dr. Tom Obaseki; Ovia South West Local Government Council
Chairman, Engr. Edosa Enowoghomwenma; amongst others.
Other critical stakeholders in the food and services value chain
present at the meeting include the Tomatoes Sellers Association, the
Benin Chamber of Commerce, Hotel owners, Barbing Saloon Association,
Building Materials Association, Market Women, Food Stuff and Cattle
Dealers Association, Edo branch of the NURTW, Arewa traders and
marketers co-operative, amongst others.
