The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is working to reduce the rising prices of foodstuffs in Katsina State. The commission met with traders’ associations and marketers to understand the causes of high prices and find solutions.

The FCCPC’s North-west Zonal Coordinator, Usman Shehu, spoke to journalists after the meetings. He said, “The FCCPC’s priority is to unlock the markets and address key consumer protection and competition issues affecting food prices.” Shehu noted that their investigations suggest some wholesalers and retailers are involved in unfair practices like price gouging and hoarding, which are illegal under the FCCPA.

“These unscrupulous, exploitative practices are illegal under the FCCPA. In this exercise, the commission will develop a concise report of its inquiry and make recommendations to the government,” Shehu added. The FCCPC aims to create policies that will make markets more competitive and ensure fair pricing for consumers.

At the Katsina Central Market, a consumer named Yahaya Mohammed expressed his frustration. “There is nothing the government cannot do if it wants to regulate prices of foodstuff in Nigeria. The government should do the needful because this has brought untold hardship to our family,” he said.

Maje Mai-Madara, the Zonal Chairman of the Grain Sellers Association, blamed buyers from neighboring countries like Niger, Chad, and Cameroon for driving up prices and hoarding food in stores.

The FCCPC’s efforts are focused on gathering information and working with stakeholders to find effective ways to lower food prices and protect consumers from unfair practices.