Lagos market leaders warn traders’ associations against arbitrary fixing of prices, other exploitative practices

Market leaders in Lagos State have warned traders’ associations in markets to refrain from imposing uniform prices on their goods as well as other exploitative practices.

Some of the market leaders gave the warning in separate interviews with our correspondent on Monday in Lagos .

They were responding to complaints that traders’ associations arbitrarily fix the prices of their goods , and rip off those who patronise them through some other exploitative practices.

Mrs Rukayat Ailero ,Iyaloja of a community market in Ayobo area of the state ,said traders associations are formed to protect the interests of members and not to exploit their customers.

While describing arbitrary fixing of prices as dishonest, Ailero said any association found compelling their members to sell at certain prices in the market would 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 urged traders, especially those who sell staples like rice, beans and garri, to ensure their customers get value all the time by using standard measures to sell to them.

She also advised traders’ associations to warn their members against selling expired or sub-standard goods.

Also speaking ,Alhaja Taofikat Allyson, Iyaloja of Ikorodu market, ,said traders associations have no right to compel their members to sell at certain prices ,describing the practice as unfair.

According to her, prices should be allowed to be determined by the forces of demand and supply as well as cost of buying goods.

“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 told our correspondent.

Alhaja Taibat Tijani ,Iyaloja General of Agege market, also warned traders’ associations against fixing prices of their commodities, describing the practice as unfair .

She said customers deserve to be treated well by traders as they are the ones who sustain their businesses through patronage .

Tijani, however ,said no case of arbitrary fixing of prices 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.

Some traders’ associations also denied fixing of prices of goods and services, saying the allegation was baseless.

Mr Wasiu Alade ,Vice-Chairman, Ifelagba Butchers’ Association ,Badagry, told our correspondent that the association had no business fixing prices.

According to him,the prices at which members sell mutton ,beef or goat meat depend on the amount they buy 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 said the association’s responsibility was to co-ordinate the affairs of meat sellers in Badagry.

“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, the Chairman, Itesiwaju Frozen Foods Association, Agbalata Market, Badagry, said the association does not fix prices and that it only helps members to grow.

“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 same.

“What we do is to add a little so that we can make profit at the end of the day,” she said.

She said that members of the association meet every Sunday to deliberate on issues affecting members of the association.

“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