The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched a detailed investigation into consumer complaints against key entities in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors. The inquiry, set to begin on December 3, 2024, will target allegations of poor service, exploitative practices, and potential breaches of consumer rights.
The investigation will focus on three major companies:
- Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB): Allegations include frequent network failures that hinder customer access to funds and banking applications.
- MTN Nigeria: Complaints involve unexplained data depletion, failure to deliver data services, and subpar customer support.
- Air Peace Limited: The inquiry will examine reports of exploitative ticket pricing, including steep fare hikes on domestic flight bookings.
The FCCPC’s actions are grounded in the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018. The goal is to address practices that harm market fairness, consumer rights, and competition. The investigation will cover several sections of the Act aimed at tackling unfair practices and promoting transparency across these sectors.
“The inquiry reflects the FCCPC’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring ethical business practices across industries,” said Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs at the FCCPC.
The FCCPC emphasized its efforts to resolve consumer complaints by engaging directly with the companies involved. Each company has been summoned to provide explanations and respond to inquiries as part of the investigation.
The commission also encouraged consumers to continue submitting reports of poor service and unethical practices through its official channels, reinforcing its role in ensuring a fair marketplace.
This investigation marks a significant step in the FCCPC’s ongoing efforts to hold businesses accountable and protect Nigerian consumers from exploitative practices.
