Court Orders FG to Regulate Prices of Goods and Petroleum Products Within Seven Days

The Federal High Court in Lagos has mandated the Nigerian government to establish price regulations for various goods and petroleum products within a strict seven-day timeframe. This directive was issued by Justice Ambose Lewis-Allagoa following an originating motion presented by renowned human rights activist Femi Falana SAN.

Addressing the court, Justice Lewis-Allagoa emphasized the lack of opposition from the respondents, namely the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Price Control Board, to the applicant’s motion. Consequently, he declared all prayers sought in the motion as granted.

The court’s order extends to a range of essential commodities including milk, flour, salt, sugar, bicycles and their spare parts, matches, motorcycles and their spare parts, motor vehicles, and their spare parts, alongside petroleum products such as diesel, petrol motor spirit (PMS), and kerosene.

Falana (SAN) had approached the court seeking clarity on whether the government was fulfilling its obligation under Section 4 of the Price Control Act to impose price controls on specified goods. He further requested declarations regarding the legal obligation of the defendants to regulate prices and the illegality of their failure to do so.

The court’s ruling aligns with Falana’s plea, directing the government to establish price controls for the listed goods and petroleum products within seven days of the judgment’s delivery. This decision underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring fair market practices and protecting consumers’ rights.