FCCPC Investigates MTN, Others Over Possible Violations

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has formally launched an investigation into allegations of service delivery violations against GTBank, MTN, and Air Peace, leading players in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors, respectively.

In a statement on Sunday, the consumer rights protection agency said the inquiry came following widespread complaints against the three companies.

The inquisitions, which will begin on December 3, 4, and 5, 2o24, are intended to address issues of poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations.

In the banking sector, the FCCPC will engage GTBank over reports of network failures that hinder customers from accessing their funds or using banking applications.

The lender has reportedly said the issues have been resolved but over 20 customers have told this newspaper that services still face downtime.

In the telecommunications sector, MTN Nigeria is facing questions regarding persistent complaints of undelivered data services, unexplained data depletion, and inadequate customer care.

Similarly, it said Air Peace Limited will address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including significant price hikes for advance bookings on certain domestic routes.

According to FCCPC, these 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.

“The FCCPC’s engagement with these companies provides a platform to address consumer concerns, clarify business practices, and enforce compliance with regulatory standards,” the statement explains.

Following this development, these 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.

“This action reflects the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, fostering a fair marketplace and ensuring accountability across all sectors,” added the statement signed by Ms Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC’s Director Corporate Affairs.

“We urge consumers to continue to report instances of poor service delivery or exploitative practices to the FCCPC through its official channels,” it added.