Federal Government Gives Traders One Month To Slash Prices

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, has given a one-month moratorium, to traders and other market stakeholders involved in exploitative pricing to crash the prices of goods.

The newly appointed Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello. Had said this at a one-day stakeholders engagement on exploitative pricing on Thursday in Abuja.

According to Bello, the commission will begin enforcement after the moratorium.

He said that the meeting was to address the growing trend of unreasonable pricing of consumer goods and services. And also, the unwholesome practice of market associations.

Bello said that, the commission’s found out that a fruit blender known as Ninja. Was being sold at a popular supermarket in Texas for 89 dollars (N140,000.00). But the same product was displayed for N944,999.00 in a supermarket in Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said he was wondering why there is an hike in the price of the blender. Compared to the Texas, United States of America.

He said the unwholesome practices including price fixing were threatening the stability of the economy.

”Under Section 155, violators whether individuals or corporate entities face severe penalties. Which includes, substantial fines and imprisonment if found guilty by the court.”

”This is intended to deter all parties involved in such illicit activities. However, our approach today is not punitive. I, therefore, call on all stakeholders to embrace the spirit of patriotism and cooperation.”

”It is in this spirit that we are giving a moratorium of one month, September, before the commission will start firm enforcement.”

”We have heard. And we know you have genuine issues. Also, the government has the responsibility to address the problems. But generally, let us talk to ourselves too.”

”There are also gang-ups to exploit consumers by traders,” he said.

Some of the market stakeholders who spoke at the engagement. All said that the high cost of transportation, insecurity, and multiple taxation among others.

That this were reasons for the continuous increase in prices of goods and services.

The Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Traders, FCT Chapter, Ifeanyi Okonkwo. Had said that charges on imported goods at the Ports also contributed to the hike in prices.

He appealed to the Commission to set up a task force and involve the association in its enforcement.

Mr Emmanuel Odugwu from Kugbo Spare Parts market. Also said the initial cost of transportation of a trailer load of tyres from Lagos to Abuja was N450,000. But now, it costs over one million naira to transport the same.

The Liaison Manager, Flour Mills, Ms Kemi Ashiri. Had said that fines by regulators needed to be harmonised for businesses to thrive.

On behalf of supermarket owners, Mr ikenna Ubaka. Had said, that banks interest rates to them were over 30 per cent. And that, rent increments and hikes in prices by distribution/ supply chains were reasons for the high cost of goods.

Ubaka also alleged that electricity distribution companies were charging supermarkets exorbitantly.

Mr Solomon Ukeme who represented Master Bakers Association. Also said that the rapid increment of major ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter contributed to the high cost of confectioneries.

He said that a bag of flour formally sold for N34,000. Is now being sold for N74,000.

He said that multiple taxation is also the major cause of the high cost of bread.

It is being reported that, various market associations also attended the engagement.