The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched a major inquiry into widespread consumer complaints against leading players in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors.
The inquisitions, expected to begin on December 3rd, 4th,and 5th simultaneous are intended to address issues of poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations
Recall that in recent times, Bank customers now faces challenges ranging from scarcity of fund for withdrawals poor network services from providers among others.
The ugly development is already adding untold hardship on the lives of Nigerian people presently facing serious economic challenges, all of which, needed quick interventions.
In the banking sector, for example, the FCCPC will engage Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) over reports of network failures that hinder customers from accessing their funds or using banking applications.
Similarly in the telecommunications sector, MTN Nigeria faces questions regarding persistent complaints of undelivered data services, unexplained data depletion, and inadequate customer care.
Also, Air Peace Limited will address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including significant price hikes for advance bookings on certain domestic routes.
This was contained in a statement signed yesterday by the FCCPC Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu and obtained by This Nigeria in Abuja
Ijagwu stressed that the inquiries are being conducted under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, specifically Sections 17, 18, 32, 33, 80, 110, 111, 112, and 113, which empower the FCCPC to investigate and resolve practices that undermine consumer rights, disrupt markets, or create unfair competition.
According to him, the companies will be required to appear before the Commission on designated days to provide information and responses to enable the Commission to make determinations and resolve pending issues promptly.
“ The FCCPC’s engagement with these companies provides a platform to address consumer concerns, clarify business practices, and enforce compliance with regulatory standards.”
“These action reflects the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, fostering a fair marketplace and ensuring accountability across all sectors.
“The commission therefore, has urge consumers to continue to report instances of poor service delivery or exploitative practices to the FCCPC through its official channels,” he explained.