Let’s come together and take a stand against the unfair exploitation of our suffering. Let’s demand fairness and justice in pricing. -Abayomi Odunowo.
Please, I want to appeal to you to consider the current situation in Nigeria, where some wicked individuals have decided to take undue advantage of suffering Nigerians by increasing the prices of essential commodities without any justification. One such commodity that has seen a drastic and unreasonable price increase is cement, with prices skyrocketing from N5,400 to an exorbitant N15,000. This exploitation of the people’s suffering must not go unchallenged, and as responsible citizens, it is our duty to take a stand against such unjust practices.
In times of crisis and hardship, it is not uncommon for unscrupulous individuals to capitalize on the vulnerability of others for their own gain. Unfortunately, this appears to be the case with the sharp increase in the price of cement in Nigeria. As the country grapples with economic challenges and a prevailing sense of hardship, it is unconscionable that some individuals and businesses would seek to exploit the situation for their own profit. Especially when there is no justifiable reason for such an astronomical price hike.
As citizens, we have the power to make our voices heard and to effect change through collective action. One of the most impactful ways to address this issue is by hitting these opportunistic businessmen where it hurts the most – their profits. If these individuals and businesses continue to increase prices without any valid reason, then we, as consumers, have the right to stop buying their products. It is our collective purchasing power that gives us leverage in such situations, and we have the ability to send a strong message to those who seek to take advantage of our suffering.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic serves as a pertinent example of how consumer behavior can influence prices. During the height of the pandemic, when businesses were struggling to make sales, prices for various goods and services dropped to unimaginable levels. The simple reason for this was that there were no buyers, and businesses needed to sell their products in order to survive. We must now adopt a similar approach in response to the unjustified increase in cement prices. If consumers collectively stop buying cement at these inflated prices, businesses will be compelled to re-evaluate their pricing strategies.
It is important to recognize that this is not a call for a complete cessation of economic activity. Rather, it is a call for a targeted response to an unjust and exploitative practice. Many individuals and businesses rely on the construction industry for their livelihoods, and a complete stoppage of construction projects would only serve to exacerbate the already dire economic situation. However, a temporary halt to purchasing cement at inflated prices can serve as a powerful demonstration of our refusal to be taken advantage of.
In conclusion, it is imperative that we as a society take a stand against those who seek to exploit our suffering for their own gain. The drastic and unwarranted increase in cement prices is a clear example of such exploitation, and it is up to us to respond in a meaningful way. By refusing to purchase cement at exorbitant prices, we can send a strong message to those responsible and demand fair and just pricing. Remember that we have the power to effect change through our collective actions, and now is the time to exercise that power for the betterment of all Nigerians.
Together, let us stand against the exploitation of our suffering and demand fairness and justice in pricing. Please, stop buying cement at inflated prices and let our voices be heard.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
27th February, 2024.
