The Ondo State Government has banned the activities of market unions and associations in the state over exploitation.
The state government said it took the measure to protect residents of the state amid soaring costs and incessant increases in the prices of goods and services.
The government said as part of the measures, it had barred all trading unions and associations under the umbrella of Ondo State United Artisans Group from fixing and enforcing uniform prices of goods and services.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, said the decision was taken in the overall socio-economic interest of the people of the state.
Ojogo said, “Henceforth, fixing market prices and imposing fixed exorbitant prices on the people under the guise of associations or unions have been stopped forthwith.
“Accordingly, as part of the measure, individuals, artisans, traders and providers of services, as well as farmers, are allowed to operate, sell their produce and render services in any part of the state as they deem profitable based on the principle of demand and supply and prevailing market forces.’’