By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has expressed readiness to go after Markets and Businesses inflating prices of products despite the recent appreciation of the Naira against the dollar.
FCCPC’s Ag. Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adamu Abdullahi disclosed the Commission’s readiness in a statement on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
He said, even with the Naira appreciation consumers continue to face escalating costs without a corresponding decrease in prices.
Dr. Abdullahi who declared that the situation was unacceptable, expressed the FCCPC’s commitment to protecting consumers from exploitation.
He said: “The FCCPC understands the significant financial strain these rising prices are placing on Nigerian households. As a result, the Commission is taking proactive steps to address this issue.
“While the FCCPC cannot directly regulate prices, the Commission will utilise its existing legal framework to enforce fair competition and consumer protection provisions.
“This includes monitoring and investigating unusual price hikes, addressing complaints filed by consumers, and taking action against any businesses found to be engaging in anti-competitive practices such as price-fixing, price gouging or cartel formation”, Abdullahi stated.
He said, the Commission has directed its operatives to intensify monitoring of both formal and informal markets, where businesses may be taking advantage of market conditions to unfairly inflate prices, and ramp up enforcement activities.
According to him, the operatives would be working collaboratively with trade associations, farmer groups, and other stakeholders to identify and remove unnecessary barriers to entry in various sectors, combat price-fixing, and dismantle cartels.
“This will encourage increased competition, ultimately leading to lower prices for consumers”, he said.
FCCPC boss said, “the Commission remains committed to educating consumers about their rights and empowering them to make informed choices.
“We will engage in advocacy and public awareness campaigns to raise awareness about price gouging and other unfair trade practices and provide guidance on how to identify and report such practices.
“The FCCPC recognises the importance of working alongside other government agencies to tackle this complex issue. We will collaborate with relevant regulatory bodies to develop a comprehensive and coordinated response to anti-competitive practices, price gouging, and other consumer protection issues.
“The FCCPC is committed to ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace for all Nigerians. We encourage consumers to continue report suspected price gouging and other unfair trade practices through website”, he said.
