The federal competition and consumer protection commission has vowed to prosecute and penalise to the full letter of the law,  attempts by suppliers and retailers to take undue advantage of citizens with respect to basic safety and protective apparel such as face masks, latex gloves, sanitisers, anti-bacterial wipes owing to their relevance in proventing the spread of covid-19 also known as coronavirus.

A statement signed by it’s director general, Babatunde Irukera the unusual and inordinate practice of unreasonably increasing the price of these products in an indiscriminate manner, on account of the national public health concern (Coronavirus) is not only unpatriotic but also violates both moral codes and extant law.

Irukera said Sectiin 17(s) of the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Act prohibits “obnoxious trade practices”, or the “unscrupulous exploitation of consumers”.
He said it amounts to violation of the law when suppliers and retailers Abuse citizens’ sensitivity, apprehension, anxiety and vulnerability, especially during emergencies that could adversely affect national security.

The director general said it’s  surveillance efforts have revealed that some reputable pharmacies and department stores are engaging in price gouging and manipulating supplies in a manner that distorts the market, or temporarily restricts availability of the preventive priducts in order to unreasonably/unfairly increase prices. 

He said Any conspiracy, combination, agreement or arrangement to unduly limit or manipulate supply, in order to unreasonably enhance price or otherwise restrain competition is a criminal offence under Section108(1)(b) and (c), FCCPA.

The FCCPC encourages consumers to be vigilant, and report such unreasonable or arbitrary exploitative price increase or trade practices to the Commission by calling 08056002020, or 08056003030, or by email at contact@fccpc.gov.ng.

Meanwhile, in collaboration with with the Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC) enjoins Nigerians to where symptoms are discovered in self or others around them.