FCCPC Launches Investigation Into Air Peace, GTB, MTN Over Consumer Rights Violations

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has announced a comprehensive investigation into Air Peace, Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB), and MTN Nigeria following numerous consumer complaints about alleged exploitative practices and poor service delivery.

The FCCPC, in a statement released on Sunday, said the inquiries will address grievances in the aviation, banking, and telecommunications sectors, with hearings scheduled for December 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2024.

Key Allegations:
Air Peace: The airline faces scrutiny over significant price hikes on advanced ticket bookings for specific domestic routes, raising concerns about exploitative pricing.

GTB: The bank is under investigation for recurring network failures that disrupt customers’ access to their funds and banking applications, causing widespread frustration.

MTN Nigeria: The telecommunications giant is being questioned over persistent complaints of undelivered data services, unexplained data depletion, and poor customer care.

Regulatory Framework and Purpose
The FCCPC emphasized that these inquiries fall under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. Sections 17, 18, 32, 33, 80, 110, 111, 112, and 113 of the Act empower the Commission to investigate unfair practices, protect consumer rights, and foster a competitive marketplace.

FCCPC spokesperson Ondaje Ijagwu stated:
“This action demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, ensuring market accountability, and addressing exploitative practices across key sectors. Companies involved will be required to provide clarifications and respond to allegations.”

What’s Next?
The hearings will provide a platform for the accused entities to address consumer grievances, clarify business practices, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Outcomes could lead to fines, operational changes, or consumer redress measures if violations are confirmed.

Consumer Call to Action
The FCCPC urged Nigerians to report poor service delivery and exploitative practices through its official channels to strengthen oversight and enforcement efforts.