The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), said it has deployed its personnel to markets to monitor and investigate the current hike in the prices of goods despite the recent appreciation of the Naira against the dollar.
A statement obtained by Daily Review Online and issued on Wednesday by Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, Acting Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, said it is aware of the concerns expressed by Nigerians regarding the continued rise in prices of goods and services.
Abdullahi said despite the recent appreciation of the Naira against the dollar, consumers continue to face escalating costs without a corresponding decrease in prices.
This situation, Abdullahi said, is unacceptable, adding that “the FCCPC is committed to protecting consumers from exploitation.”
According to the statement,”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.
“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.
“The operatives will 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.
“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 boss reiterated his unwavering commitment to ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace for all Nigerians, while encouraging consumers to continue to report suspected price gouging and other unfair trade practices through contact@fccpc.gov.ng.
“Together, we can work towards a more stable, fair, and competitive marketplace for all Nigerians,” the statement said.