FCCPC Begins Food Prices Campaign In Open Markets

In an effort to check the arbitrary increase in the prices of food items by traders, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has embarked on a fact finding and investigation mission to Masaka Market in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Speaking during the fact finding mission, the Director, Surveillance and Investigations in FCCPC, Mrs Boladale Adeyinka said the move was part of the Commission’s food prices campaign towards addressing the exorbitant prices of commodities despite the reduction in the exchange rate.

According to Mrs Adeyinka, the Commission will come up with an accurate report and advise the Federal Government on how the issue can be addressed.

She advised Market Unions and Associations against forming a cartel by embarking on arbitrary increase in the prices of goods most especially food items and other consumables.

The Director reiterated the determination of FCCPC towards protecting consumers from extortion and other market irregularities in the country.

Mrs Adeyinka explained that the exercise would be carried out in other open markets nationwide.

On his part, the Chairman of the Market Association, Mr Danlami Gimba attributed multiple taxation, increase in fuel pump price and transportation as some of the factors responsible for the high prices of goods in the market.

Mr Gimba who commended FCCPC for the fact findings, appealed to the Federal Government to consider the reduction in fuel pump price towards ensuring reduction in prices of commodities in the market.

Mathew Ayoola, Edited By Grace Namiji