FCCPC Cautions Grains Sellers Against Price Fixing

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has warned traders at the Dawanau International Grains Market in Kano to desist from illegal market practices such as rebagging of grains and price fixing or risk the closure of their shops.

FCCPC executive vice chairman/CEO, Mr. Tunji Bello, gave the warning during an engagement forum with leaders of the market at the secretariat of the market association in Kano.

Represented by the commission’s principal and business education officer, Bridget Etim, the EVC said the commission has setup a market monitoring task force to track and tackle illegal trade practices, noting that, the taskforce will visit the state soon.

He said practices such as rebagging and false labelling, price fixing, under measurement, sale of counterfeit and substandard goods among others are dishonest practices which contravenes the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

According to him, the engagement is part of the commission’s ongoing nationwide initiative aimed at interacting directly with those involved to ensure the right thing is done before enforcement.

“This effort is not just institutional, it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which calls for reforms that empower Nigerians, protect livelihoods, and drive inclusive development.

“If you are doing the right thing, you have nothing to fear. In fact, you are our partner. But if you are involved in practices that harm consumers or cheat competitors, the FCCPC will take action, swiftly and decisively,” he stressed.

Mr. Bello however urged the market leaders to sensitise their members in order to ensure fair and honest trade practices.

In his remarks, the president of the Dawanau development Association, Alh. Muttaqa Isa, said there is no fixed pricing of goods in the market as prices are being determined by market forces.

He expressed commitment of the market to partner with relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance to standard practice.