In a landmark decision, the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, ordered the Federal Government to fix pricing for goods and petroleum products within seven days.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa issued the verdict in response to an originating motion filed and argued by human rights campaigner Femi Falana SAN.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa underscored the importance of the case, noting, “Consequently, all prayers that are sought for in the motion papers are hereby granted as prayed.”
The court judgment requires the Nigerian government to set prices for vital commodities such milk, bread, salt, sugar, bicycles, spare parts, matches, motorbikes, motor vehicles, and petroleum products like diesel, petrol motor spirit (PMS), and kerosene.
Femi Falana (SAN) filed the case to enforce the government’s responsibilities under Section 4 of the Price Control Act. The requested disclosures include proof that the government is legally required to set pricing for a variety of things, ranging from bicycles and replacement parts to petroleum products.
The court specifically instructed the administration to set the prices within seven days of the judgment’s delivery. Falana filed a legal lawsuit against the government for failing to fix prices for necessary products, citing a violation of Section 4 of the Price Control Act, Cap., Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
This landmark ruling has consequences for both consumers and businesses, potentially affecting pricing patterns across a range of items.
As the government responds to this mandate, the broader impact on the economy and public welfare remains to be seen. The court’s ruling demonstrates a proactive approach to ensure fair pricing and compliance with current legislation.