By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Federal High Court in Lagos granted an application today, compelling the price control of essential goods across Nigeria within seven days. Justice Lewis-Allagoa rendered the decision following an originating motion presented by renowned human rights activist, Chief Femi Falana (SAN).
The court’s decision stemmed from Falana’s suit against the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Price Control Board, invoking the Price Control Act. The activist sought a declaration asserting the obligation of the respondents to fix prices of specified goods as per the provisions of the Act.
During today’s proceedings, the court emphasized that despite the service of the originating motion on the respondents, no opposition was raised in the form of a counter-affidavit. Consequently, all facts presented in the affidavit were deemed admitted.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa declared, “I have heard the applicant Femi Falana… and there was no opposition to it by way of counter-affidavit.” He further asserted, “All prayers sought for in the motion papers are hereby granted as prayed.”
Among the goods subject to price regulation are milk, flour, salt, sugar, bicycles and their spare parts, matches, motorcycles and their spare parts, as well as motor vehicles and their spare parts. Additionally, the court mandated the fixing of prices for petroleum products, including diesel, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and kerosene.
Falana, in his plea, contended that the failure or reluctance of the respondents to regulate the prices of the listed goods contradicted the Price Control Act of 2004, violating Section 4 of the legislation.