Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has expanded the scope of its ongoing investigation into airline ticket pricing on select domestic routes, following mounting public complaints over sharp fare increases ahead of the festive season, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission said the probe would now closely examine the pricing templates and mechanisms used by some airlines, with a view to establishing possible violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
The FCCPC noted that concerns have been widely expressed in recent days over what appears to be coordinated manipulation or exploitative pricing by some airlines, particularly on routes serving the South-East and South-South regions of the country. The investigation, according to the Commission, targets operators plying the affected routes.
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The development comes amid an earlier legal dispute involving Air Peace, which had instituted a court action seeking to restrain the FCCPC from examining its pricing mechanisms. The suit followed the Commission’s initial move to investigate the airline’s pricing model after widespread consumer complaints. The FCCPC clarified that the current inquiry is without prejudice to the pending court case.
Further explaining the Commission’s mandate, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tunji Bello, said the agency is not a price control body but is empowered by law to intervene where consumers are being exploited.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we are not a price control board. But the FCCPA 2018 empowers us to check the exploitation of consumers. When we receive petitions or where we find cogent evidence, we will not stand by and watch Nigerian consumers being exploited under any guise,” Bello said.
He stressed that the Commission would not hesitate to act where evidence shows that consumer welfare or market competitiveness is being undermined.
According to the FCCPC, Section 17(b) of the FCCPA authorises it to monitor economic activities in Nigeria to identify anti-competitive, anti-consumer and restrictive practices that may harm consumers, while Section 17(e) empowers it to carry out investigations deemed necessary.
Although the Commission reiterated that it does not regulate prices, it said fair pricing remains a core objective of the Act, which provides safeguards against excessive, opaque, misleading or collusive pricing practices and promotes competitive markets.
In light of the reported arbitrary spike in airfares, the FCCPC said it is extending its review to cover pricing patterns, the justification for the increases reported by consumers, and any practices that could undermine fair competition. Where breaches of the Act are established, the Commission said it would apply appropriate enforcement measures.
The FCCPC added that further updates on the aviation sector investigation would be provided in due course.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
