Following the recent outrage across the country, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC has announced an expanded investigation into the alleged arbitrary hick in airfare by most Nigerian airlines.
There have been concerns over the templates behind high ticket rates currently being charged by some domestic airlines especially those on local routes.
The Nigerian Senate recently deliberated extensively on the matter, calling for a comprehensive investigation.
The lawmakers alleged serious exploitation by the domestic airlines.
The alleged coordinated manipulation in the airline ticket prices is mostly witnessed during festive seasons.
Wadding into the matter, FCCPC in a statement issued on Friday by its Director, Corporate Affairs of the Commission, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, said it has begun an expanded investigation.
The agency stated that the ongoing probe was to establish possible violations of the provisions of the law.
According to the agency, the ongoing investigation targets operators on some identified routes, including South-East and South-South.
FCCPC vowed that at the end of the investigation, it would apply appropriate enforcement measures where evidence showed any violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, FCCPA.
Ijagwu explained that Air Peace, had instituted a court action seeking to restrain the Commission from examining its pricing mechanisms, following the commencement of an investigation into its pricing model after widespread complaints from members of the public.
He said the ongoing inquiry was without prejudice to the case instituted against the Commission by Air Peace.
The director quoted Mr Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, as saying “the Commission would not hesitate to act where evidence showed that consumers welfare or market competitiveness were being undermined.
”For the avoidance of doubt, we are not a price control board but the FCCPAct 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.
”Given the arbitrary spike in airfares, the Commission is extending its review of pricing patterns, the basis for the increases reported by consumers, and any practices that could undermine fair competition.
”Where evidence confirms a breach of the Act, FCCPC will apply appropriate enforcement measures”, Bello said.
