Fish sellers in Ogun protest soaring prices

Fish vendors in Sagamu, Ogun State, have taken to the streets to protest the continuous surge in fish prices, which is affecting their businesses adversely.

The fish sellers gathered on the streets of Sagamu to express their frustration over the high cost of fish, which has led to a decline in customers and increased their economic hardships.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, they proceeded to the palace of the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, to convey their grievances.

They explained that the escalating price of fish has driven customers away, and they urged authorities to take immediate action to address the economic challenges faced by residents in Sagamu and other parts of the state.

One of the traders stated, “The way they are increasing the price of fish is too much. What is happening? One Titus fish now costs N2,000, while Shawa is N1,000. Isn’t that too much?”

Residents also shared their concerns about the sudden price hikes, with one mentioning that the cost of fish increased from N1,200 to N1,800 in just a week.

Another resident, Lola, disclosed that her fish supplier had informed her about an upcoming 10-day strike by fish sellers starting on November 1.

Deji Soyemi, a fish dealer, emphasized that the peaceful demonstration aimed to make customers and residents aware of the recurring spikes in fish prices.

He highlighted the challenge of buying fish from Lagos, where the price of a carton could surge from N10,000 to N15,000 within days. As a result, the fish sellers called for the suspension of fish sales by cold rooms in Sagamu between Wednesday and Thursday.