A NAN FEATURE
Market leaders in Lagos State have cautioned traders’ associations not to impose uniform prices on their goods or engage in other unfair practices.
On Monday, several market leaders issued the warning in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
They were reacting to concerns that traders’ associations unfairly fix their pricing and rake off their customers through various exploitative activities.
Ms Rukayat Ailero, Iyaloja of a community market in the state’s Ayobo district, stated that trade associations are founded to safeguard members’ interests and not abuse their consumers.
Although criticising arbitrary price fixing as dishonest, Ailero stated that any group discovered pushing their members to sell at specified market rates will be sanctioned.
“Traders associations, just like professional associations, are formed to protect the interests of their members. They are not formed to harm or exploit those who patronise them.
“It is wrong to say that people should sell at certain prices, most times, for profiteering.
“Everyone should be allowed to decide what price to sell his goods and the price has to be fair . We will not allow that. Any association found doing such will be sanctioned and reported to the appropriate authorities”, she said.
Ailero advised traders, particularly those who sell commodities like rice, beans, and garri, to always provide value to their clients by selling to them using conventional measurements.
She also recommended trade groups issue warnings to their members about selling outdated or subpar goods.
In addition, Alhaja Taofikat Allyson, Iyaloja of the Ikorodu market, stated that trade groups have no power to coerce their members to sell at specific rates, calling the practise unjust.
Prices, she believes, should be decided by the dynamics of demand and supply, as well as the cost of purchasing products.
“Nobody can or should fix prices of any commodity in the market, the prices of goods should be based on the amount you buy at the main market.
“No association has the right to fix prices. We understand associations such as that of pepper grinders ask members not to go below certain prices to ensure all members get patronage.If the prices are fair ,it is okay. But arbitrary pricing? No,” she said.
Alhaja Taibat Tijani, Iyaloja General of Agege Market, also advised traders’ associations against setting commodity prices, calling the practise unjust.
Customers, she believes, ought to be treated well by merchants since they are the ones who keep their company running via their purchases.
Tijani, on the other hand, stated that no cases of arbitrary price fixing had been reported to her at the market.
“Traders here in Agege sell their goods according to how he or she gets them from the supply source.
“To the best of my knowledge, no one is compelling traders to sell at high prices here at the market,” she said.
Several trade associations also rejected price fixing of goods and services, claiming the charge was unfounded.
Mr Wasiu Alade, Vice-Chairman of the Ifelagba Butchers’ Association in Badagry, told NAN that the organisation had no right to set pricing.
According to him, the prices at which members sell mutton, beef, or goat meat are determined by the quantity purchased at Alaba Rago market.
“Our association does not decide how we sell to customers. Selling depends on how much one gets his ram or goat.
“One has to be careful on how he sells because many others are selling too. So, when your price is high, the customer leaves,” he said.
Alade stated that the association’s job was to coordinate the business of Badagry’s meat vendors.
“We meet every Sunday to deliberate on the progress of members and contribute money to help those in need.
“What you sell and how you sell your meat depends on what you buy at the ram markets”, he said.
Mrs. Grace Godonu, Chairman of the Itesiwaju Frozen Foods Association, Agbalata Market, Badagry, stated that the association does not set pricing and simply assists members in growing.
“If you like you can sell your fish or chicken less so that customers can patronise your shop, at the end of the day, you will know if you have gained or you run into debt.
“Most of us buy our frozen products in the same cold room in Badagry and Mowo areas and the price is always the same.
“What we do is to add a little so that we can make a profit at the end of the day,” she said.
Every Sunday, the association’s members, according to her, meet to discuss matters that concern their fellow members.
“We don’t fix price at the meeting, but if we have a member that has reduced his price to gain more customers, we always caution such member.
“We always contribute weekly to assist members to grow their businesses,”she said
