Blame food inflation in Kogi State on illegal roadblocks
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBC), revealed in February, 2024, that Kogi tops the chart as the most expensive state in Nigeria. It recorded an all-items inflation rate of 37.98% from 35.78% in January of the same year. However, the food inflation rate rose to 46.32%, from the previous month’s 44.18%. Kogi also has the highest food inflation in Nigeria. No doubt the continuous rise in pump price for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), has contributed to the hike in foodstuffs prices. But the real culprits here are the illegal roadblocks mounted by some individuals in a bid to make quick money for themselves. Fruits as small as one orange goes for N100 compared to city like Abuja where it is cheaper.
It is no longer news that most foodstuffs are more expensive is Kogi State than the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. One will begin to wonder why foodstuffs will be cheaper in the seat of power to States like Kogi. I recently discovered why; illegal roadblocks and multiple check points where high level of extortion takes place. The outrageous rise in foodstuffs is because the illegal roadblocks disrupt the transportation of food products leading to price increase.
I was privileged to attend a press conference recently organised by Heavy Duty and Haulage Transport Association of Nigeria (HDHTAN), Kogi State chapter where illegal roadblocks were fingered to be part of the ruse in foodstuffs. Issues affecting transportation and hauling, multiple taxation, insecurity and man made problems where brought to the fore. The State Chairman, Chukwuna Trust, while reeling out the achievements and activities of the association in the state, disclosed that “miscreants” impersonate the Association to carry out illegal taxation on its members. He made reference to a Civil Servant in Kogi State, who was parading himself as a representative of the Association and extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public. He has since been suspended from the Association.
HDHTAN, called on the public to reject illegal taxation. “Our ultimate goal is to reduce food items costs, alleviating citizens economic burdens…, our actions will reflect our commitment to sanity on Kogi State highways. We have started with kabba in Kogi West were our special task force dismantled illegal roadblock. We will do same in all the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.” According to him, the huge amount of money collected from their members at roadblocks, contribute largely to food inflation in the state.
He said the Association is also involved in intelligence sharing, truck monitoring, illicit activity prevention and whistleblowing which has helped to prevent diversion of goods meant for Kogi State, monitor truck usage foe illegal activities and report terrorists activities, kidnapping, human trafficking and other crimes.
“We recognise the importance of thr transportation sector in the economic growth a d developed of Kogi State. We are committed to working with the State Government, Local Government and stakeholders to create a conducive environment for Kogites. We are committed to transparency and accountability in all our operations. We believe that this is essential in building trust with our members and the public.
“We appreciate the support of the Kogi State Government, led by His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for making life easier for Kogites despite the economic challenges facing the country. We commend the Governor’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and pledge our support for his administration. HDHTAN solicits the support and synergy of the Local Government and the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), in achieving its goals. We recognise and respect the roles of these agencies and have no intention of taking over their jobs. Our goal is to complement their efforts and ensure that multiple and illegal taxation on our members stop. This will contribute to the economic growth and development of the state.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to promote the welfare of Kogites and ensure that the transportation sector and hauling activities in Kogi State is safe, efficient and contributes to the economic growth and development of the state. We can be reached on 08168744150 and 08030964320.”
The activities of these illegal roadblocks and multiple check points no doubt are one of the reasons families can no longer feed well. Farmers, while moving farm products to various locations in the country, were being allegedly extorted by people who had mounted several roadblocks. When will this end? We call on government to ensure they are all brought to book.
