Ogorugba Cracks Down On Exploitation, Announces Ban On Union Fees On Traders In Isoko North

As part of efforts to create a fair and transparent market environment, Chairman Godwin Ogorugba of Isoko North Council has announced a ban on union fees for traders, while also revoking lock-up shops in the market to eliminate third-party interference.

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Ogorugba assured the traders that his government was committed to addressing their needs and improving conditions for the people of Isoko North.

Announcing the ban Tuesday during a meeting with traders from Ozoro, headquarters of the council in his office, Ogorugba frowned at what he described as “exploitation of traders under the guise of union fees”, even as he expressed concern over the increasing cost of goods and rents.

The move, the chairman states was the ongoing commitment of his administration to support the local traders and ensuring a fair, transparent, and sustainable market environment.

“I will not stand by and watch certain individuals make life difficult for the people of Isoko North. We will be sending an executive bill to the legislative arms that will block every exhortation of traders. The practice of demanding payment to a union before allowing a business to operate must end, this will bring about free trading” he assured.

The council boss however explained that the government decision to revoke the lock-up shops in the market was part of an effort to eliminate third-party interference, stressing that the goal was to hand over the shops directly to the traders and ensured that “Those with no legitimate business in the market can no longer take advantage of their connections to secure spaces and lease them, sometimes the children of these individuals even claimed them as inheritance, a supposed government property.”

The chairman noted that the actions of multiple unions especially landlords, and agents have contributed to the rising cost of living in Ozoro, making it increasingly difficult for residents to afford basic service.