Against the backdrop of the controversies generated by its threat to intervene in the markets over rising prices of commodities, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has said it will not regulate market prices.
This is contrary to a statement attributed to the FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Tunji Bello, last week, which 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.
However, the FCCPC insisted it would enforce laws against practices that undermine 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 organization, 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.”
“Consumers and businesses alike can trust that 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.”
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