The decision was announced by the Association’s Chairman, Mahrazu Usman Lawan, during a press briefing last week.
Lawan explained that the move followed extensive consultations with market stakeholders, who expressed concerns over the continued hike in food prices at vendors Stalls despite recent drops in the cost of food commodities. “It is unfortunate that food sellers are still increasing prices when the market trends show that food prices should be falling,” he stated.
The Chairman warned that any food seller who fails to comply with the directive within the stipulated one-week period will be ejected from the market. “We will not tolerate exploitation of consumers. If they refuse to adjust their prices, we will have no choice but to ask them to leave,” Lawan emphasized.
This development has sparked mixed reactions among traders and customers in the market. While some applaud the Association’s stance as a necessary measure to protect consumers, others argue that market forces, rather than directives, should determine pricing.
The ultimatum comes amid nationwide efforts to stabilize food prices and ease the economic burden on Nigerians. Authorities are yet to officially respond to the Association’s decision.