MARKET leaders in Lagos have warned the traders’ associations to refrain from imposing uniform prices on their goods and other exploitative practices.
Some market leaders, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria, responded to complaints that traders’ associations arbitrarily fix the prices of their goods and rip off those who patronise them through other exploitative practices.
Responding to this, Rukayat Ailero, the Iyaloja of a community market in the Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA of Alimosho LGA, said traders’ associations are formed to protect members’ interests and not exploit their customers.
While describing arbitrary fixing of prices as dishonest, Ms Ailero said any association found compelling their members to sell at certain prices in the market would be sanctioned.
“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.
Ms Ailero urged traders, especially those who sell staples like rice, beans, and garri, to ensure their customers always get value by using standard measures to sell to them.
