By GINIKA OKOYE

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has inaugurated a major inquiry into widespread consumer complaints against leading players in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors.

A statement Issued by Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, the Director Corporate Affairs of the Commission on Sunday in Abuja, said it would engage Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) over reports of network failures that hindered customers from accessing their funds.

Ijagwu said the Commission would also engage MTN Nigeria for persistent complaints of undelivered data services, unexplained data depletion, and inadequate customer care.

He said that Air Peace Limited would be engaged to address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including significant price hikes for advance bookings on certain domestic routes.

The director said the engagement which would begin between Dec. 3 and Dec. 5 would address issues of poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations.

Ijagwu said the inquiries would be conducted under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, specifically Sections 17, 18, 32, 33, 80, 110, 111, 112, and 113.

He said the Act whichh empowered the FCCPC to investigate and resolve practices that undermined consumer rights, disrupted markets, or created unfair competition.

According to him, the FCCPC?s engagement with these companies provides a platform to address consumer concerns, clarify business practices, and enforce compliance with regulatory standards.

?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.

?This action reflects the Commission?s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, fostering a fair marketplace and ensuring accountability across all sectors,? he said.

He urged consumers to continue to report instances of poor service delivery or exploitative practices to the FCCPC through its official channels. (NAN)

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