Sir: In these times of economic turmoil, there is something that I have observed which I am going to dwell on in my write-up. As I termed my headline: “Nigerians Affecting Nigerians,” many things have come to my mind on this issue which I have found valuable to share. In this state of economic turbulence where the price of goods are currently increasing by the day and even hourly, Nigerians are one of the major turning point for the further increase of goods and services.
The increasing prices of goods and services which have all been termed to Naira’s fall against Dollar is not the major cause. Many Nigerian traders are not helping the economic situation at all. Despite the incessant fall of the Naira, many traders are, permit me to say, “Inconsiderate.”
“I read a story on social media in which a man went to the market to purchase goods worth N15,000, while about to pay, a call came in for the trader and from the conversation that ensued, the trader was told that the price of the particular product has increased. Immediately, the trader turned to the man and told him that he could not sell those goods for the initial price of N15,000 since he just received a call that the price has changed from the market. They argued until the man was left with no choice than to increase the price from the initial agreed price.”
Using the case that ensued between the man and the trader, it is pertinent to say that this is the saddening attitude of many traders. They inflate the prices of the goods they already have in store, due to hearing that the price has increased in the market. I find it disheartening as this action is further plunging our economy into turbulence. Permit me to say, there is no reason why the price of the goods in stock should be increased due to it being increased in the market, it is a case of sheer wickedness and insensitivity on the part of the traders. This action affects the customers who have no choice than to buy and for others who are not buoyant enough, they have to leave the goods which in some cases might turn out to be foodstuffs which are needed urgently.
As much as the blame on the government for the current economic issue is increasing as the day goes, I believe that Nigerians can do better in their sale of goods and services. In this pressing issue of Nigerians affecting fellow Nigerians, those involved in transportation cannot be left out. The commercial drivers, motorcyclists and others are becoming less considerate to the plight of many Nigerians. Despite, the hike in fuel price which is a known issue, many drivers charge exorbitant prices to commute passengers. Some even charge the same price for places that are close and places that are far which is currently affecting Nigerians. The unstable price is nothing to write home about as you could board a bus for N200 in the morning, in the afternoon it could increase to N350, and in the evening, it could be become N500.
This act of drivers can be termed as sheer wickedness, though they are not fully to blame as the unnecessary extortion collected by the ‘area boys’ and even some police officers are to be put into consideration. Despite this, many drivers still make quite a lot by charging nefarious prices and not even considering the plight of those who cannot seem to afford it.
In conclusion, a stable price of goods can be fixed and regulated by the government, the drivers should be checked as the chronic extortion from the police officers and area boys could be put in check in order to avoid the drivers from charging nefarious and exorbitant prices.
Oluwarantimi Oludase.
