****Say Neighbouring Communities Sell Below N40,000, Plans To Make Live Horrible For Builders
Palpable tension is mounting in Ughelli, headquarters of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, as youths clash with the Sand and Dredgers Union, led by one Chief Andrew Odibo, over an unprecedented hike in prices of sand and the monopolistic practices allegedly endorsed by the sand beach owners in Ughelli.
According to sources, the union had recently increased the price of a trip of sand from ₦45,000 to ₦70,000, about100% rise without any clear economic justification, thus making residents to tagged PDP and Oborevwori’s administration bad since no comment made by government over the lingering issue.
Builders and residents have decried this exploitative move, lamenting the significant financial constrains it poses on the people especially potential house builders when neighbouring communities sell below N40,000, a plan to make live horrible for those who intend to build.
Hon. Ese Agbobore, a lawmaker and youth leader, has also add his voice to the chorus of discontent, condemning the union’s actions and calling for its suspension. He stressed the need for a transparent and balanced pricing structure that prioritizes the community’s interests over monopolistic gains.
Hon. Agbobore, who also serves as an Urhobo Youth Leader, called for the suspension of the tipper union’s operations, advocating for greater freedom and flexibility for both Dreger and tipper owners to operate independently.
The lawmaker expressed optimism that by suspending the union’s operations, a sense of fairness and balance can be restored to the market, ensuring that the needs of the people are met without undue financial burden.
Also the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ughelli chapter, through its chairman, Comr. Efekemorae Emmanuel, has also demanded an immediate reversal of the price increase.
The council criticized the union’s restrictive practices and called for the dissolution of its monopolistic structure to allow free trade of sand.
The youths, expressed outrage at the union’s restrictive policies. They criticized their rotational sales system, which mandates that sand can only be purchased from designated members on specific days.
Additionally, attempts to source sand from outside Ughelli are penalized, with tippers seized under the alleged backing of the Ovie of Ughelli.
The youths have therefore issued a stern warning to the Union to revert the price to N45,00 threatening that if the union does not revert to the previous price and dissolve its restrictive policies, they will take matters into their own hands, sourcing sand from outside Ughelli despite potential confrontations.
The intervention of Hon. Jaro Egbo, the council chairman has further inflamed the situation.
Egbo attempted to mediate the dispute, but his approach was poorly received by the youths, who accused him of failing to adequately address their grievances. Many perceived his intervention as siding with the union rather than advocating for the people’s welfare.
A project owner in the Otovwodo area in Ughelli, Mose Igho said, “This isn’t just about the price hike. It’s about the union’s monopoly and their refusal to allow free trade. The Ovie’s involvement has emboldened them to exploit the community without consequences.”
The rising tension has also drawn sharp criticism from local stakeholders. Block industry owner Godwin Ejiro, lamented the detrimental impact on businesses, noting that the increased sand prices have driven up production costs, making building materials unaffordable for many.
“This price hike is a death sentence for our businesses. We are already grappling with rising fuel, diesel costs, and now this monopoly is threatening to cripple our industry”
He explained that the price hike and the union’s restrictive practices have far-reaching consequences as builders face inflated costs, leading to higher rents and reduced affordability.
“Block industries are struggling to survive, with higher costs threatening their viability. The monopoly prevents residents from accessing cheaper sand options from neighboring areas”, he stated.
As the situation remains unresolved, Ughelli North risks descending into deeper unrest unless decisive action is taken to address the community’s grievances and restore fairness to the sand trade.