- The FCCPC said it would enforce laws against practices that undermine fair competition
The Federal Government has shelved its plan to regulate market prices amid rising cost of commodities.
Recall that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, had last week announced plans to put in place price control mechanism to check soaring prices.
The FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Tunji Bello, who disclosed this, gave a month’s notice to traders and other market stakeholders involved in what he called ”exploitative pricing”, threatening to crash their prices or face action from the Commission.
The move was however greeted with pushbacks and sparked controversies with many describing it as archaic, draconian and counterproductive.
The FCCPC has now shelved the price control move but insisted it would enforce laws against practices that preclude fair competition, adding that it would protect Nigerian consumers by tackling price fixing and other exploitative practices in markets across the country.
The Commission, in a statement issued by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director, Special Duties (& Strategic Communication) in Abuja, yesterday said, “While promoting competition is essential for economic health, as evidenced in sectors like telecommunications, it is equally important to enforce laws against practices that undermine fair competition.
“The FCCPC remains committed to a balanced approach that respects the dynamics of a free market while ensuring that consumers are protected from harmful practices.
“We encourage all businesses to engage in ethical and lawful practices that contribute to a fair and competitive marketplace. The FCCPC does not seek to suppress private enterprise; our role is to ensure that the market operates on principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability. When businesses, as illustrated by the cement sector case, engage in practices that harm consumers, the FCCPC will take decisive action.”
The FCCPC pledged to work collaboratively with all stakeholders; businesses, consumer groups, and other government agencies, to address both the immediate and remote causes of exploitative pricing, adding, “Our approach combines enforcement with cooperation, aiming to protect consumers and maintain a healthy competitive environment.”
According to the organisation, it has given a one-month moratorium before enforcement begins, providing businesses with the necessary time to adjust their practices and ensure full compliance with laws aimed at protecting consumers and fostering fair competition.
It added “The FCCPC stands firm in its commitment to enforcing the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. We will continue to monitor the marketplace and take action against any business practices that violate the law.”
we will remain vigilant in upholding the principles of fair competition and consumer protection.”
The commission asserted that prices in a competitive marketplace are determined solely by the forces of supply and demand, adding, that it did not, therefore, contemplate price control, having considered it outside the scope of its responsibilities.
“We have never considered, nor will we ever consider, intervening in the market to regulate prices. Any claims to the contrary are baseless. Our recent directives are not about controlling prices but are focused on curbing exploitative practices and anti-competitive behaviours that distort the marketplace and harm consumers.”