Coronavirus: Increase prices of face mask, sanitizer go to jail – FG

The Nigerian government has warned vendors across the country against increasing the price of face mask and sanitizer.

In a statement released on Saturday February 29 by Babatunde Iruekera
who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition &
Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), vendors were told that abusing
citizens’ sensitivity, apprehension, anxiety and vulnerability,
especially during emergencies that could adversely affect national
security is a violation of law.

Vendors were also told that they risk getting prosecuted if they use
the confirmation of coronavirus in Nigeria as an excuse to increase the
price of the protective items.

The statements reads in part;

“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 S.108(1)(b)
and (c), FCCPA.

“Any exercise or exploitation of undue pressure in selling or the
sale of goods or services, or price manipulation between displayed, and
selling price are also serious violations of the FCCPA under Sections
115(3) and 124(1).

“Taking advantage of the possibility of infection by a dangerous
communicable disease to control supply, or unilaterally increase prices
is predatory as it preys on the desperation of citizens.

“Considering the circumstances and the vital national
interest/security this illegal conduct undermines, the Commission
intends to strongly enforce the full letter of the law, including the
fullest extent of penalties associated with this conduct.”