The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is set to engage with market leaders and others in the supply and distribution chain across the nation as part of a broader measure to check exploitive pricing of consumer goods.

This is according to Section 17(1) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138 and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

This was made known by the commissions via its X(Twitter) handle in a statement signed by Mr. Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, FCCPC.

FCCPC noted that it recognized that the exchange rate has impacted the value of the Naira, however observed that prices charged are in most cases, disproportionate for imported products and excessive locally produced ones.

It added that the unfair practice is prevalent in the retail segment of the distribution chain where some market associations are engaged in price fixing at the expense of consumers.  

“Working with the market leaders, the Commission believes an understanding can be reached on reasonable pricing of products with a view to eschewing undue profiteering at the expense of consumers at a time of economic challenges. Such interaction will be sustained by the Commission to foster a better market culture that makes allowance for the trader’s margin without leaving buyers exploited.”

The Commission’s advocacy for Nigerian consumers in this direction is consistent with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu. Already, the Commission has mandated the operators of supermarkets to visibly display the prices of products displayed on their shelves to shoppers for transparency and avoid an ambush situation where they only get to know of the prices after payment would have been made at the counter and receipt issued, the commission said.