The Isoko-Nation Progressive Like-Minds (INPLM) in Isoko North Local Council of Delta State has expressed concern over the rising cost of commodities within the kingdom, calling for urgent action to address the issue.

President of INPLM, Comrade Ilaya Efemena Beckly, raised the alarm in a statement yesterday, urging the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom and other stakeholders to tackle the issue to prevent inflation.

“This alarming situation has caused untold hardship to the people, particularly the vulnerable and low-income earners,” Beckly lamented. He emphasised the need for collective efforts to alleviate the economic challenges, restore balance to economic activities, and ensure fairness in the marketplace.

“The INPLM remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster development, fairness, and the well-being of the people of Ozoro Kingdom and the Isoko nation at large. Let us take decisive steps to safeguard the economic stability of our kingdom and ensure no one is left behind,” he said.

Beckly attributed the exorbitant prices of essential commodities to market exploitation, hoarding, and unfair trading practices, noting that these actions had deprived many households of basic necessities, thereby affecting their standard of living.

He noted that women, children, and the elderly were the most affected, deepening inequality in the kingdom. To address the situation, Beckly called on the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom to establish a Price Monitoring Committee. This committee, he proposed, should include traditional leaders, market executives, youth representatives, and consumer advocates to ensure fair pricing.

He also advocated for dialogue with traders and vendors to understand their challenges, encourage fair practices, and promote local production to support farmers and producers within the kingdom.

“There is a need to enforce anti-hoarding measures to penalise individuals or groups creating artificial scarcity.”Also, providing financial assistance to producers or reducing taxes on essential commodities will make goods more affordable,” Beckly added.