In a significant ruling on Wednesday, February 7, at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa issued a directive to the federal government, mandating them to establish price controls for various essential goods and petroleum products within a seven-day period. The order came following a motion presented and argued by Femi Falana SAN, a prominent human rights activist.

Justice Lewis-Allagoa emphasized that despite the service of the originating motion to the respondents, namely the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Price Control Board, there was no opposition via a counter affidavit. Consequently, he deemed all facts presented in the affidavit attached to the originating motion as admitted.

Under the court's decree, the Nigerian government is instructed to set prices for a range of items 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 petroleum products such as diesel, petrol motor spirit (PMS), and kerosene.

Falana (SAN) had brought the case before the court, seeking clarifications on several matters. These include whether the government is fulfilling its duty under Section 4 of the Price Control Act to regulate the prices of specified goods. Furthermore, Falana sought declarations regarding the legal obligation of the government to set prices for various essential items and petroleum products, highlighting the illegality of the government's failure or refusal to do so.

Consequently, the court's order includes directives for the government to establish prices for the mentioned goods and petroleum products within seven days from the delivery of the judgment. This ruling underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring regulatory compliance and safeguarding the interests of citizens in matters of public welfare and economic stability.