FCCPC Launches Investigation into Nigeria’s Banking, Telecom, and Aviation Sectors
Consumer Protection Agency Targets GTB, MTN, and Air Peace Over Service Delivery Complaints
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has initiated a major investigation targeting leading companies in Nigeria’s banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors, responding to persistent consumer complaints about poor service delivery and potentially exploitative practices.
In a statement released on Sunday by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the commission announced a targeted inquiry into Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), MTN Nigeria, and Air Peace Limited, with hearings scheduled for early December.
The investigation will address specific consumer grievances across three critical sectors:
GTB’s Network Failures Under Scrutiny
Guaranty Trust Bank faces investigation over repeated network failures that have prevented customers from accessing their funds or using banking applications. Many consumers have reported significant disruptions, particularly during peak transaction times, leading to widespread frustration and potential financial losses.
The FCCPC will examine whether these operational challenges constitute a violation of consumer rights under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, focusing on the bank’s technological infrastructure and customer service protocols.
MTN’s Data Service Challenges
MTN Nigeria will be questioned about persistent complaints related to data services, including:
- Undelivered data services
- Unexplained data depletion
- Inadequate customer support
Customers have consistently raised concerns about being charged for data they did not use or for services never actually delivered, prompting the commission to conduct a thorough review of the telecom giant’s billing and service provision practices.
Air Peace’s Pricing Practices
Air Peace Limited faces allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, particularly concerning significant price hikes on specific domestic routes. The investigation will scrutinize the airline’s pricing strategies and determine whether they constitute unfair market practices.
The inquiry is being conducted under multiple sections of the FCCPA 2018, specifically Sections 17, 18, 32, 33, 80, 110, 111, 112, and 113. These provisions grant the FCCPC comprehensive authority to investigate and address practices that undermine consumer rights and disrupt market fairness.
The companies are scheduled to appear before the commission on consecutive days in early December:
- GTB: December 3
- MTN Nigeria: December 4
- Air Peace: December 5
The FCCPC emphasized that this investigation serves multiple purposes:
- Addressing immediate consumer concerns
- Clarifying business practices
- Enforcing compliance with regulatory standards
- Promoting transparency in critical service sectors
The commission has urged consumers to continue reporting instances of poor service delivery or exploitative practices through official channels, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a fair and accountable marketplace.
