The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has frowned at the arbitrary increase in the prices of protective face masks and latex gloves by suppliers and retailers of the products.
A statement by Mr Babatunde Irukera, the Chief Executive Officer of the commission, in Abuja on Saturday described the practice as a violated of both moral codes and extant laws.
P.M.News fact-checked prices at JUMIA, mostly cited online as culprit. What we found was the reverse. The online retailer has actually been crashing prices for various protective face masks against a flu such as coronavirus.
For instance, five packs of respiratory valve masks, with breath valve that used to cost a range of N2,100 and N3372 have a price slash of 52per cent. They now cost between N1010 and N1686.
price for generic men and women mask with anti-fog breathing valve also drops
Another mask called generic men and women mask with anti-fog breathing valve dropped 47 per cent in its price. It was N4,500 before. It is now N2, 400. The only problem is that it has to be shipped from abroad, on order.
price for Black pollution, flu and dust face mask falls 80 per cent
Jumia also advertised a Black pollution, flu and dust face mask, the price of which has fallen by 80 per cent, from N5,000 to between N1,000 and N2,600.
The online marketer also offers 40 disposable face masks for N10,800 and 50 surgical face masks for between N10,200 and N25,000 in a pack.
Kids Disposable Medical Mouth Face Mask Anti-Dust Cover Ear is also being offered at a reduced price of N3477, from N4868. But it will be shipped from abroad.
The 3M Nose Masks offered for N150,000 in packs of 10, with 15 pieces inside each pack are possibly designed for workmen, not for protection against coronavirus.
On Konga, another online retailer, the prices for advertised masks are stable, and one of them has a price slash.
Surgical face mask, 50 pieces, is sold for N12,000. Vienna Full face mask respirator dropped from N38,000 to N32,000 and another brand, made by 3M is sold for N21,400.
We could not ascertain the prices for handwash soap and sanitisers.
