The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has warned the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) against what it describes as the “intimidation” of retailers across Nigeria.

In a statement released by the Director of CPPE, Dr MUDA YUSUF, the organisation expressed concerns over the FCCPC’s recent actions, which it believes are veering dangerously close to price control rather than focusing on its primary mandate of protecting consumers rights.

He emphasised that consumer protection should not involve direct price control at the retail level, and the recent threats to market leaders, traders, and supermarket owners by the FCCPC are misplaced.

He explained that the multitude of players in the retail sector ensures a competitive environment where exploitation is difficult to sustain.

The CPPE expressed concern that the FCCPC is fighting the symptoms rather than dealing with the causes of the current inflationary pressure in the economy.

Dr YUSUF pointed out that managing inflation is the responsibility of fiscal and monetary authorities, not the FCCPC.

He also warned that the FCCPC approach could lead to market suppression and private enterprise repression, which would harm investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.