The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA) has voiced its support for the ongoing investigation by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) into allegations of exploitation against Air Peace. The association is also urging the FCCPC to extend its investigation to cover other airlines operating in the country.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by NANTA President, Yinka Folami, the association expressed its commitment to promoting fair practices within the Nigerian aviation sector, emphasizing the importance of equitable market policies and consumer protection.
The FCCPC initiated its inquiry last week in response to widespread consumer complaints against Air Peace, Guaranty Trust Bank, and MTN, with the aim of addressing poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential violations of consumer rights. However, Air Peace has denied the allegations, asserting that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority regulates the sector and that any issues should be resolved through the proper channels.
Folami, however, stressed that the FCCPC is the primary body responsible for ensuring fair competition and protecting consumers, as outlined in the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018. He emphasized the need for the commission to expand its investigation beyond just one airline and address concerns such as arbitrary airfare pricing, delayed flights, cancellations, and poor customer service.
“There is an increasing imbalance between taxes and basic fares, particularly fuel surcharges and emergency taxes, which should be more transparent for the benefit of Nigerian travelers,” Folami said. He also called for an inquiry into discriminatory pricing practices by airlines, particularly with regard to international routes, and emphasized the need to focus on consumer-centric practices within the aviation industry.
The travel agents’ association further pointed out that domestic airlines have only referred to global pricing structures when convenient, making it difficult for passengers to purchase tickets in advance at cheaper rates. According to Folami, this is especially problematic with domestic routes, where lower fare classes have been unavailable for the upcoming December 2024 travel period since September.
“The practice of freezing lower fare classes and only offering the highest-priced tickets is arbitrary and supports the FCCPC’s suspicion of discriminatory pricing,” Folami stated. He also noted that such practices conflict with industry standards, where prices are usually determined by flown mileage.
In conclusion, NANTA offered its expertise to the FCCPC’s inquiry, stressing that if executed properly, the investigation could benefit both Nigerian travelers and the aviation sector as a whole.
