By Ayodele Oni
Worried by the continued soaring in prices of goods, especially food items, Ondo State Government has barred unions and associations from fixing prices on any product or services.
It was gathered that some unions and associations determine prices of commodities and services to the detriment of producers, which has led to consumers paying exhorbitantly for them.
The order by the State Government now confers the right to determine prices of goods and services directly on producers, not on middlemen.
A Government statement on Thursday explained that the measure was taken to protect residents in the State amid soaring costs and incessant increases in prices of goods and services by artisans including farm produce and food items.
The statement, signed by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Donald Ojogo, pointed out that “in this regard, the State Government has barred all Trading Unions and Associations under the umbrella of Ondo State United Artisan Group, from fixing and enforcing uniform prices of goods and services being sold/rendered by their members and non-members.’
According to the statement, the decision was taken in the overall socio-economic interest of the people of the State.
“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.
“Accordingly, as part of the measures, Individuals, Artisans, Traders and providers of services as well as farmers are henceforth allowed to operate, sell their produce and render any service in any part of the State as they may deem profitable, based on the principle of demand and supply and prevailing market forces.
“This is just as membership of associations and unions remains voluntary as provided for in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
“Consequently, Government’s right to regulate the activities of Trading Associations and Artisan groups has to be invoked in the interest of residents.
“Therefore, on no account should any Union/Association fix or enforce prices of goods and services.
“Similarly, there shall be no sale of tickets to Artisans/Traders by any Association/Union without due approval of the state Government through the Internal Revenue Service.
“All concerned are, therefore, advised to adhere strictly to this directive as any person or group found to be flouting it will be made to face the full weight of the extant laws.
“It is to be noted too that this directive takes effect from TODAY in all markets and sales outlets across the 18 LGAs of the state.”
The State Government had earlier, this year, banned members of the National Union of Road Transport Union, ((NURTW) and affliate unions from operating in motor parks in the State.
Government action was sequel to arbitrary hike in transport fares in the state, and incessant clashes among the drivers.
