Ekiti State government has met with the leadership of the market men and women associations as well as transport unions in the state to address the constant hike in the prices of goods and services in the state.
At the end of the meeting held in Ado Ekiti, it was resolved that a taskforce be set up to regulate and check the rising cost of goods and services in the state.
The commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Co-operatives, Mrs. Adeola Omotayo led the government representatives to the meeting which was attended by the leadership of the market men and women associations.
This came as police in the state yesterday morning beefed up security in some strategic areas of Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
The security move, it was gathered, was to stop an alleged planned protest tagged: “End Nigeria Hardship” to be staged in Ado Ekiti today.
Speaking at the meeting Mrs. Omotayo attributed the astronomical rise in prices which is causing severe hardship on the people majority to fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the currency.
The commissioner who maintained that prevalent alarming cost of transportation led to uncontrollable increased prices called on all stakeholders including traders, artisans and transporters to be patriotic, more considerate and reduce prices and transport fares so as to make life bearable for the people.
While assuring that the state government would continue to facilitate a conducive environment for entrepreneurs to thrive, she however, said that the administration will not encourage any form of shortchange of the people in any guise.
In his contribution, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun called on the traders and transport operators in the State to join hands with the government at ensuring a better living for all residents.
Responding, the Iyaloja-General of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs.) Abibbat Ogunjobi who appreciated the state government for the move said that the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe was also taking steps in the same direction.
