MAKURDI – The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Makurdi, has said it is partnering the State Taskforce on Prohibition of Illegal Levies in the state, to check arbitrary and rising market prices in the state.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), BIPC, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, disclosed this when he hosted the officials of the Taskforce in his office in Makurdi.

He stressed the need for collaborative efforts with the organization in order to address the exorbitant prices that were experienced in markets across the state.

While citing instances where products were relatively cheaper in other states, like Nasarawa, Kaduna, Lagos, and Abuja, the nation’s capital, the MD/CEO lamented that arbitrary market prices were hindering the collective growth of the state.

Asemakaha, however, insisted that BIPC was committed to supporting local businesses and promoting economic growth in the state.

According to him, “We believe that partnering with the Taskforce on Illegal Levies will enable us to address this issue effectively and ensure that market prices are fair and reasonable.”

Earlier, Head of the Taskforce, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Youth Organisation and Illegal Levies, Terver Gbenda, expressed the preparedness of the organization to enter into partnership with BIPC, even as he acknowledge the role of the private sector in the area of investments as well as their role in driving economic development in the state.

He commended Dr Asemakaha, for his initiatives in creating viable businesses such as fertilizer, bread and water factories, expressing the willingness of the agency to work with BIPC to tackle arbitrary market prices.

Delivering a vote of thanks at the occasion, the Unit Head, Corporate Communication and Information Technology, Mrs. Joyce Isiaku, appreciated the taskforce for its attempt at putting an end to illegal levies in the state.

She stated that the partnership would create a framework for fair market prices and promote economic growth and prosperity in Benue state.