The economic reality in Imo State has reached a critical juncture, and the people are feeling the devastating impact of skyrocketing food prices and increasing inflation.
It is no longer a mere inconvenience; it is a severe crisis affecting the day-to-day lives of residents of the State. The aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu administration is still haunting the people, with the ripple effect felt most acutely in the cost of living.
Despite numerous promises from the state government, particularly from Governor Hope Uzodimma, nothing substantive has been done to alleviate this growing burden. The time for action is now — the people of Imo State can no longer wait.
Governor Uzodimma’s promise at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Owerri in July 2023 to set up the Imo State Marketing and Commodity Board was a welcome one. His assurance that a Commodity Board would be established to manage rising food prices, and provide affordable food to residents in all 27 local government areas was a glimmer of hope for many.
Yet, despite his repeated declarations, no tangible steps have been taken, and the promised Commodity Board remains nothing more than an empty promise at the moment. Food prices continue to rise uncontrollably, and the cost of transportation, which is closely tied to the price of goods, remains disproportionately high.
The evidence is everywhere. Go to any market in Imo State today, and you will see the startling disparity between what people earn and what they must spend to buy basic food items. A bag of rice that was once affordable is now a luxury, prices of beans have more than doubled, and even essentials like bread and noodles have become unaffordable for many.
For the average family in Imo, these price hikes are not just a minor inconvenience; they are a matter of survival. The economic situation in the State has become untenable, and it is fast becoming clear that without urgent intervention, many families will be pushed further into poverty.
Governor Uzodimma’s admission of the problem, made publicly at a stakeholders meeting in July 2023, underscored his awareness of the hardship faced by the people.
He stated, “I have discovered with pain how traders are taking advantage of the economic situation to increase the prices of food items in the market.
“We shall achieve this by setting up low-cost markets in the State where prices of food items and commodities will be affordable for the masses. The markets will be situated in all the 27 LGAs of the State.” Uzodimma told a gathering of Imo stakeholders.
This recognition should have been the first step toward immediate action, but it has since proved to be hollow. However, over a year has passed after his promise, and no significant progress has been made. The people are growing restless, and their patience is wearing thin.
It is clear that the fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu, has exacerbated the situation. Transportation costs, which directly affect the prices of food and other essentials, remain excessively high across the State.
With the removal of the subsidy, fuel prices surged, leaving transporters with no choice but to increase fares. As a result, the cost of moving goods to markets in the State has become a major factor driving up the price of even the most basic commodities. The ripple effect of this problem is palpable: families are being forced to make impossible choices between food and other necessities.
The Imo State government cannot continue to ignore these realities. The establishment of the Commodity Board, which Governor Uzodimma promised in July 2023, is no longer just a matter of keeping a promise—it is a matter of urgent necessity. If the government truly cares about the well-being of its citizens, it must act decisively to bring the promise into reality.
A Commodity Board could go a long way in regulating the price of food items, negotiating better deals with traders, and ensuring that the prices reflect the actual cost of production and transportation, rather than being inflated by opportunistic market forces.
Moreover, the creation of low-cost markets across the 27 local government areas, as envisioned by the Governor, would provide a viable platform for direct sales between farmers and consumers, cutting out middlemen who often contribute to the price hikes.
These markets would not only bring down food prices but also provide a much-needed avenue for local farmers to sell their produce at fair prices. It would be a win-win for both producers and consumers.
The people of Imo State are calling for action, not words. The state government must stop procrastinating and establish the promised Commodity Board. The failure to do so will only deepen the economic hardship already being experienced by citizens of the State.
The welfare of Imo people is buckling under the weight of rising prices, and without intervention, it is bound to worsen. Inaction now would be an endorsement of the suffering of the people, a stance that no responsible government should take.
The economic situation in Imo State is rapidly deteriorating. People are struggling to meet basic needs, and the social fabric of the state is under severe strain. The cost of living is unbearable for many, and immediate steps should be taken to address the escalating food prices. Governor Uzodimma must honour his commitment and act swiftly.
The time for promises is over. The time for action is now. The establishment of the Imo State Marketing and Commodity Board is the only viable solution to restore stability and hope to the people of Imo State. Governor Uzodimma, it’s time to make this a reality. The citizens of Imo State are watching, and they can no longer afford to wait.
For the average family in Imo, these price hikes are not just a minor inconvenience; they are a matter of survival. The economic situation in the State has become untenable, and it is fast becoming clear that without urgent intervention, many families will be pushed further into poverty“
