In a landmark ruling on Wednesday, February 7, the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, directed the federal government to establish pricing for various goods and petroleum products within the next seven days.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa issued the directive following a motion presented and argued by the petitioner, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa stated, “After hearing the applicant Femi Falana in case No. FHC/L/CS/869/2023, and noting the absence of any counter-affidavit from the respondents—the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Price Control Board—it is concluded that the facts presented in the motion are accepted as unchallenged. Therefore, all requests made in the motion documents are granted as sought.”
The court’s order specifically targets the regulation of prices for essential goods and petroleum products, including milk, flour, salt, sugar, bicycles and their spare parts, matches, motorcycles and their spare parts, motor vehicles and their spare parts, as well as diesel, petrol motor spirit (PMS), and kerosene.
Falana, SAN, approached the court questioning if, under Section 4 of the Price Control Act, the government had been neglecting its responsibilities to set prices for items listed in the First Schedule to the Price Control Act.
He sought a judicial declaration that the government’s failure to regulate the prices of these essential goods and petroleum products contradicts the Price Control Act, thereby requesting an order for the defendants to establish prices for these items no later than seven days following the court’s decision.
This ruling is seen as a significant move towards addressing the inflation and price instability that have affected essential commodities and petroleum products, directly impacting the cost of living and economic stability in the country.
The court’s decision underscores the government’s obligation under the Price Control Act to actively regulate the prices of key goods and services, ensuring they remain accessible to the general populace. This legal mandate aims to protect consumers from arbitrary price hikes and to maintain a level of price stability in the market.
The directive for the federal government to regulate prices within a week represents a proactive step towards fulfilling its legal responsibilities. It is expected to prompt immediate action from the relevant authorities to comply with the court order, thereby aligning with the provisions of the Price Control Act.
This case, spearheaded by Femi Falana, SAN, highlights the crucial role of legal activism in holding the government accountable and ensuring the enforcement of laws designed to safeguard the public interest. The court’s ruling not only reaffirms the government’s duties under existing legislation but also sets a precedent for future actions concerning price control and economic regulation in Nigeria.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the government’s response to this judicial order. The effective implementation of price controls, as mandated by the court, could mark a pivotal step in addressing economic challenges and enhancing the welfare of Nigerian citizens.
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