The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State council, has expressed concern over the indiscriminate hike in the prices of goods and essential commodities, particularly in the state capital, Akure. 

On Thursday, a communique issued at the union congress presided over by the NUJ state chairman, Leke Adegbite, decried the inaction of middlemen and traders in fixing the prices of foods and services in Akure. 

“The congress expressed deep concern over the high cost of goods in Ondo State,” NUJ said. “Activities of middlemen and traders’ unions in the soaring cost of goods and services across Ondo State, particularly Akure, the state capital, are becoming unbearable compared to neighbouring other states.”

NUJ also lamented that despite the existence of the Consumer Protection Council and Unit, which should safeguard the interests of the common man, their laxity has also worsened the situation.

“Ondo NUJ expresses dissatisfaction with the poor performance of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) in the state, calling on the government’s agency to live up to the masses’ expectations,” the union said.

Noting that the situation has continued to fuel anger among the residents of Akure, the NUJ called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and traditional rulers to set up a task force to ensure price control on goods and services. 

The union’s concerns come amid the soaring costs of food items and other necessities following the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira.

Mr Aiyedatiwa had, on Tuesday, constituted a 10-man committee to combat the rising cost of food items and promote all-around agricultural development to ensure food security. 

Meanwhile, NUJ urged political gladiators participating in the state’s November 16 governorship election to eschew violence and play by the electoral body’s rules. 

It vowed to wage war against the activities of fake journalists who would troop into the state to take part in the exercise for coverage. 

Also, NUJ, which lamented the poor service delivery at the UNIMED Teaching Hospital, Akure, however, commended Mr Aiyedatiwa for recruiting more health workers 

“The congress commends the state government’s efforts to employ 2000 new teachers and to give priority to primary and secondary schools in rural areas in the recruitment exercise, particularly in the riverine area of the state,” the union added.