Ekiti Govt Moves To Force Down Prices Of Goods |The Source

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor , Dr Kayode Fayemi, has moved to reduce hardship in the state occasioned by astronomical hike in goods and services.

He has, therefore, told transport unions and other relevant groups to reduce prices of goods, especially foodstuffs and services.

During a meeting with representatives of transport unions and traders in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, the Governor expressed surprise at the sudden and rapid increase in transport fares and prices of commodities in the State.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon Biodun Omoleye, Dr Fayemi pointed out that the meeting was in demonstration of Government’s concern over skyrocketed prices in transport fare, which has impacted negatively on the  prices of products and services in the state compared to what is obtainable in neighbouring states.

“The Government  is worried about the high cost of price of goods and services in Ekiti State and has directed that a cross section of stakeholders in the various groups be invited for dialogue of which the transport sector is a very crucial sector among the stakeholders and that’s why we are starting with them.

“You will recollect that in the last few weeks there have been cries by commuters that transport fare within the State is prohibitive.

“Examples were cited that Akure before use to be N500 gradually it went to N700 and now is between N1400 to N1500 a distance less than 45 kilometers.

“Similarly we observed that in Ondo State, Akure and Owo township which is also 45 kilometers is still N500 while Akure to Ondo is under N500, so we find no justification in price hike in Ekiti State, particularly Ado metropolis.

“If you are traveling between Ado Ekiti and Abuja, it ranges now between N6500 and N7000,  while in Akure for instance it is less than N4000. whatever is the cause of hike in transport fare in Ekiti is worrisome to Government.”

The Situation, according to the Governor had affected other sectors of the economy resulting in increase in the price of goods and services which has placed a burden of hardship on the people of the State.

As a first step to force down the high prices, the Governor announced that a taskforce comprising of representatives of various economic sectors would be constituted to monitor and regulate the prices of commodity across the State.

He warned that anyone that failed to comply with government regulations to make life comfortable for the people of the State would be sanctioned accordingly.

“We want to assure the people of the State that Government is on top of this prohibitive cost of transportation and we have declared emergency in the commodity and service prices for now in Ekiti. We hope that in the next five days, this high cost would be resolved for the good of all.”

Stakeholders, especially transporters that reacted blamed the hike in petroleum product, vehicle spare parts and the Covid-19 guidelines that restricted commercial vehicles from operating in full capacity.