The Edo State Government has taken drastic measures to address rising food costs and economic hardship by suspending all market unions and associations across the state over alleged exploitation.
.This decision, approved by Governor Monday Okpebholo, was announced in a statement issued by Umar Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government, on November 19, 2024.
According to the statement, market unions have been accused of preventing farmers from directly selling their produce to consumers and arbitrarily fixing the prices of staple foods.
“The attention of the State Government has been drawn to the disturbing activities of market Unions in the State. Reports abound that the Executives of these Unions either outrightly prevent farmers from disposing of their wares directly to consumers at the markets or arbitrarily fix prices of these staple foods at the detriment of the low-income earners and generally, the citizens of the State.”
Governor Okpebholo has instructed security agencies to closely monitor the situation and ensure compliance with the suspension order.
He said any union leaders defying the order will be apprehended and held accountable.
The government acknowledged the essential contributions of market traders to the state’s economy but emphasizes that their exploitative practices will not be tolerated.
The suspension aims to protect consumer rights, restore fairness in market operations, and foster a balanced economic environment.