Hoarding, Price fixing: FG begins clampdown, seals popular store in Abuja

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed a popular supermarket, Sahad Store, located in the Garki area of Abuja.

The supermarket’s management was accused of overcharging customers by deviating from the prices indicated on the shelves.

Persecondnews reports that the action is coming in response to President Bola Tinubu’s recent announcement to address the underlying causes of the food crisis in the country.

Leading the enforcement operation, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Adamu Ahmed Abdullahi, informed journalists that the commission’s initial investigation substantiated the allegations of customer exploitation by the supermarket’s management.

He further stated that the store would remain sealed until a thorough investigation is conducted to gather additional evidence and information.

Persecondnews recalls that President Bola Tinubu met with the 36 state governors and some government officials at the Council Chambers of the State House on Thursday in Abuja.

Speaking with newsmen at the end of the meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, said: “First, the National Security Adviser, Inspector General of Police, and the Director General of State Services have been directed to collaborate with the state governors to look at the issue of those hoarding commodities.

“At this point, the nation requires food to be brought out to the people so that we can control prices and put food on the table for most Nigerians.

“Commodity sellers are busy hoarding these commodities so that Nigerians will suffer or they will make more money as a result.

“So, the governors and Mr. President have taken this decision that security agencies will collaborate with state governors to ensure this ends.”