Bayelsa: Meat sellers expresses displeasure over double taxation, blame price hike on taskforce
by Peregba Jerry
Yenagoa– The chairman of Opolo market butchers association has blamed the hike of price on cow meat on activities of various taskforce at Mbiama- Yenagoa road.
The chairman , Mr Charles Chiojioke, made the claim at the popular Opolo market on Friday 9 April, 2021 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.
Mr Chiojipoke, who spoke to our correspondent said, it has been very difficult to adjust the price of meat due to some elements on the supply chain, who are deliberately hike the prices, adding that the numerous taskforce collecting money on the Mbiama-Yenagoa road are also making situation worse.
His words, “ the price has not really changed. The taskforce which hang around the Mbiama – Igbogene axis, they are the people who are making it difficult for us. When they add the taskforce money and transport fare due to fuel, things become more expensive, most of them are not government officials. It is an artificial scarcity because of the suppliers are deliberately putting price to make more profit.”
Speaking on the ban on Miyetti Allah cattle Breeders association, he said if government can provide land for people who are ready to go into the business of ranching , it would be easier to start – up.
“ Ranching would be good but it would be more expensive, because if you do not have plots of land where you ranch your cow, you won’t be able to do the business.”
“If government can provide a genuine land for the state and people who want to do the business, it would be better.”
Recall, that the Bayelsa state livestock management committee issued a two-weeks ultimatum to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and other livestock operators to move their animals out of Yenagoa, the state capital and its environs.
