Victor EzejaGOVERNMENT of Ondo State has barred trade associations under the umbrella of Ondo State United Artisan Group from fixing uniform prices of goods and services.
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, who announced the government directive on Thursday, said it was part of efforts by the State to protect the people from the impact of incessant hike in prices of goods and services by traders and artisans in the sate.
Ojogo said, “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.”
He accused the union members of using the opportunity of the global increase in the prices of things like food and other farm products to fix prices anyhow they like without recourse to the market forces which should determine that.
“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,” Ojogo asserted.
The Commissioner stated that artisans, farmers and providers of services are allowed to operate, render services and sell their products in line with forces of demand and supply, adding that membership of trade unions remains voluntary as provided for in the constitution of Nigeria.
He further stated that, “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.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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