The World Institute for Peace, under the leadership of it’s Executive Director, Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi, strongly condemns the recent and arbitrary increase in the price of sand by the Quarrable and Owners Association in Osun State, particularly the Osogbo and Egbedore Local Government Areas chapters.

It is deeply troubling and unacceptable that this association has continued to increase the price of sand anyhow and anyway they like, without consideration for consumers or the already harsh economic realities faced by residents of the state.

Recently, the price of ten tonnes of sand was increased from N65,000 to N70,000, and shockingly, just a few days later, it was further raised to N100,000. This outrageous increment is being unjustly linked to the price of fuel (diesel), even though the price of diesel has not increased in proportion to justify such repeated hikes. This clearly exposes the lack of sincerity and compassion on the part of the association, as well as the exploitation of consumers.

It is extremely disheartening that these individuals can simply wake up and decide to increase the price of sand at will, with no form of accountability, or mercy for the people who depend on this essential commodity for housing and development.

We also strongly appeal to the Osun State Government, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the Osun State Ministry of Commerce, to act decisively on this matter and make sure that the price is brought down to normal. The reason any association can arbitrarily hike the price of commodities in this manner is clear negligence of duty by the state’s Ministry of Commerce. When government agencies fail to regulate markets and protect consumers, they indirectly empower exploitation and deepen hardship in society.

This continuous silence and inaction by the stat’s ministry of commerce are adding unbearable hardship to the lives of ordinary citizens. Sand is a basic material for shelter and infrastructure, and allowing unchecked price manipulation is an injustice to the people of Osun State

The World Institute for Peace hereby calls on the Osun State Government to wake up immediately and urgently investigate this crazy and unjustified increment in the price of sand. The government must put effective measures in place to regulate the activities of the Quarrable and Owners Association and ensure fair pricing that reflects reality and compassion.

The suffering of the people must not be ignored.

Signed:
Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi
Executive Director
World Institute for Peace