Business

Fuel hike, bad roads behind onion shortage – Anambra traders

Published

Saturday, 26 April 2025, 10:37 am

Fuel hike, bad roads – Fuel hike, bad roads…

Fuel hike, bad roads – Traders and buyers at…

Traders and buyers at Eke Awka Market, in Anambra State’s capital, have attributed the scarcity of onions to rising fuel prices and the country’s poor road network.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) survey conducted on Tuesday revealed that onions, a key condiment used to spice food, have become increasingly difficult to find and afford.

Obigaeli Nwokoye, a petty trader dealing in onions, explained that a few weeks ago, there was no onion available in the entire market due to bad roads. She added that suppliers from the northern part of the country faced delays, as the high cost of fuel and poor road conditions hindered transportation and logistics.

“Drivers coming from Kano face major challenges, which delay their deliveries to Awka.

“The government should address these issues and give special attention to food transporters to ensure a steady supply of food items.”

Mrs Chioma Okeke, another seller, shared that the price of a bag of onions had skyrocketed to ₦370,000, compared to ₦258,000 in November. She further noted that the price had steadily increased throughout the year, from between ₦70,000 and ₦90,000 in January to ₦110,000 to ₦170,000 around August/October.

“From November to December, the price jumped to between ₦250,000 and ₦300,000.”

Mrs Doris Beluchukwu, a buyer, expressed frustration at the soaring prices and scarcity.

“Onions that used to cost ₦100 or ₦200 are now priced between ₦500 and ₦2,000,” she said.

She also urged the government to ensure its food regulatory agencies functioned effectively, as some of the food shortages might be artificial.

“Government needs to act quickly to ensure a steady supply of basic food items to markets across the country,” Beluchukwu added.

Related information

Turo247News is on WhatsApp!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

Share News with us via Email: turo247newz.com@gmail.com

Join Our Social Media Channels

Business

Nigerian govt wins legal battle as tribunal upholds $220m fine against Meta

Published

1 hour ago

April 26, 2025

John

The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has upheld a $220 million fine levied by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and WhatsApp, marking a significant victory for consumer rights enforcement in the country.

In a ruling delivered by a three-member panel led by Thomas Okosun, the Tribunal dismissed Meta’s appeal, affirming that the FCCPC acted within its statutory and constitutional powers in sanctioning the tech giant for engaging in discriminatory and exploitative practices.

The case stems from a 38-month investigation jointly conducted by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), which began in 2020.

The probe focused on Meta and WhatsApp’s consumer data policies, privacy practices, and overall conduct in Nigeria’s digital space.

“The Tribunal determined that the Commission complied with prevailing laws, discharged its mandate, and exercised its powers within the confines of the 1999 Constitution,” said Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC’s Director for Corporate Affairs.

READ ALSO: Is Nigeria’s $220m fine on Meta enough to end data privacy violations?

The Tribunal resolved seven key issues in the appeal, siding with the FCCPC on nearly all fronts. One pivotal matter — the claim that Meta was denied a fair hearing — was rejected, with the Tribunal concluding that the Commission afforded the companies ample opportunity to defend themselves.

“The FCCPC fully discharged its quasi-judicial responsibilities,” the Tribunal ruled, also affirming the Commission’s authority to oversee data protection and privacy under Section 104 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).

Regarding the contentious issue of Meta’s privacy policy, the Tribunal upheld the Commission’s finding that the policy contravened Nigerian law.

However, the Tribunal did set aside one aspect of the FCCPC’s final order — Order 7 — citing insufficient legal foundation.

READ ALSO: Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta just got some bad news

Alongside upholding the $220 million penalty, the Tribunal also awarded the Commission $35,000 in investigation costs.

FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Mr. Tunji Bello, welcomed the ruling, praising the Commission’s legal team for its “exceptional diligence and forensic skills.”

He reaffirmed the FCCPC’s dedication to protecting consumer rights and fostering fair market practices, stating, “This judgment is a victory for all Nigerian consumers and a clear message that no company is above the law.”