Benin City, the capital of Edo State, is facing a growing crisis as market women voice their concerns over the relentless surge in food prices, urging Governor Monday Okpebholo to take decisive action.
During a visit to the bustling Oba Market in Benin City, our correspondent gathered first-hand accounts from traders, who expressed their frustrations and shared stories of hardship caused by the escalating costs of essential goods.
Blessing Eboigbe, one of the traders, highlighted the sharp rise in prices despite efforts by the State government to regulate the market. “A Paint-rubber of melon that used to sell for ₦5,000 is now ₦8,000. Everything has increased in price,” she lamented. “We want the governor to intervene.”
Governor Okpebholo had earlier deployed a Taskforce to monitor pricing and address irregularities in the marketplace. However, traders claim that these measures have done little to ease their burden, with many struggling to keep their businesses afloat.
Another pressing concern raised by the market women is the issue of illegal levies. They accused non-state agents of issuing unauthorised tickets, which have forced traders to inflate the prices of their commodities to cover the added costs.
In a bold plea, the traders called for the abolition of the market unions in Benin City, arguing that such a move would significantly reduce food prices and provide relief to both sellers and consumers.
The situation has placed immense pressure on families, as many struggle to afford basic foodstuffs. Stakeholders are urging the State government to intensify efforts to stabilise prices, curb illegal levies, and restore order in the markets.
