By Uzair Adam
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commenced an expanded investigation into the pricing structures behind what it described as unusually high airfares charged by some airlines on domestic routes.
The Commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, noting that the move followed growing public concerns over possible coordinated manipulation or exploitation in airline ticket pricing.
Ijagwu said complaints had intensified in recent days, particularly as the festive season approached, with passengers raising concerns over sharp fare increases on routes within the South-East and South-South regions of the country.
He added that operators servicing the affected routes are the focus of the ongoing inquiry.
According to him, the investigation aims to determine whether any airline has violated provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, stressing that appropriate enforcement measures would be applied where infractions are established.
He explained that Air Peace has instituted a court action seeking to restrain the Commission from examining its pricing mechanisms, following the FCCPC’s earlier decision to look into its pricing model after widespread public complaints.
However, he clarified that the expanded investigation is proceeding without prejudice to the pending court case.
Ijagwu quoted the Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, as reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring fair competition in the aviation sector.
“The Commission will not hesitate to act where evidence shows that consumer welfare or market competitiveness is being undermined,” Bello said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we are not a price control board, but the FCCP Act 2018 empowers us to prevent the exploitation of consumers.”
He added that whenever the Commission receives petitions or uncovers credible evidence of unfair practices, it would take decisive action to safeguard Nigerian consumers.
Bello further stated that, in view of the arbitrary spikes in airfares reported by passengers, the FCCPC is extending its review to examine pricing patterns, the justification for the increases, and any practices capable of distorting fair competition in the market.
He assured that the Commission would continue to keep the public informed as investigations into the aviation industry progress.