22/02/2024
Yesterday, Ekiti State Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives convened a meeting with stakeholders in the commodity/essential goods market in order to address the challenges posed by the current inflation.
Representatives from various sectors including iyalojas, transport workers, spare parts dealers, food vendors and livestock farmers engaged in productive discussions on the pressing issues affecting traders and consumers.
Key concerns highlighted by the stakeholders included the impact of imports from outside Ekiti, exchange rate fluctuations, constant increase in fuel prices, unethical trade practices, the need for more support in agriculture, the negative effects of unregulated trade unions and urbanization encroaching on farmlands.
The stakeholders proposed solutions such as promotion of sustainable agriculture, provision of security for farmers and residents, granting tax concessions to boost trading activities, and the subsidisation of transportation costs.
In response to these challenges, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Mrs Omotayo Adeola reaffirmed the resolve of the Ekiti State Government to work closely with stakeholders to address the challenges and create a thriving ecosystem for all.
She drummed up support for the local economy through the following resolutions which were made at the meeting:
-Establishment of a task force for price control and regulation to ensure fair pricing in the market.
-Publicity campaigns to raise awareness about price control regulations and promote transparency.
These proactive measures aim to mitigate economic hardship
