Federal Government Launches Investigation into MTN, GTB, and Air Peace.
The Federal Government, through the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), is investigating MTN, GTB, and Air Peace over widespread customer complaints.
Ondaje ljagwum, Director of Corporate Affairs for FCCPC, announced this on Sunday that the commission is conducting investigations.
The FCCPC is actively enforcing the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, specifically exercising its authority under Sections 17, 18, 32, 33, 80, 110, 111, 112, and 113.
These acts empower the FCCPC to investigate and resolve practices that undermine consumer rights, disrupt markets, or create unfair competition.
ljagwum added;
This action reflects the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, fostering a fair marketplace and ensuring accountability across all sectors,”
These investigations, scheduled to take place on December 3rd, 4th, and 5th, aim to address issues of poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations.
The commission’s engagement with these companies will provide a platform to address consumer concerns, clarify business practices, and enforce compliance with regulatory standards.
According to it, the companies appear before it on designated days to provide information and responses.
Firms Under FCCPC Investigation.
Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB).
The FCCPC will investigate GTB over reports of network failures that have hindered customers from accessing their funds or using banking applications.
On its part, GTB recently apologised to customers for service delivery after shifting its core banking application system.
“When we began the process of implementing the new Finacle Suite of Core Banking Application Systems.
Our goals were clear: to remain agile as we grow, adaptable, and most importantly, to improve your service experience.
Yet, we must humbly acknowledge the challenges along the way.
The process, though necessary, brought with it delays in transaction processing and interruptions to what should be seamless service, and we sincerely apologize for this”.
MTN Nigeria.
The regulatory body will question MTN Nigeria over persistent complaints regarding undelivered data services, unexplained data depletion, and inadequate customer care in the telecom industry.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently revealed that data depletion and billing topped telecom consumer complaints.
With 132 million internet connections, the country’s daily data consumption has averaged 336 gigabytes per second.
This increased data usage has sparked concerns about data consumption rates and billing transparency.
Aminu Maida, the executive vice-chairman of the NCC, stated that these concerns are not isolated to Nigeria.
Additional, Maida explained that the advent of 4G and 5G, along with ultra-high-definition devices, has fuelled data consumption growth.
This many consumers are unaware of.
Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), echoed that many consumers remain unaware of periodic app and device software updates that occur in the background, as well as data downloads linked to app refreshes and cloud synchronisation.
The telecommunication industry are focusing on consumer education to address high data consumption complaints.
Consumers who educate themselves on data usage are better equipped to manage their data effectively and dispel misconceptions about depletion.
Air Peace Limited.
Air Peace will need to address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including price hikes for bookings on certain domestic routes.
Purpose of the FCCPC’s Investigation.
These inquiries are being conducted under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
The act empowers the FCCPC to investigate and resolve practices that undermine consumer rights, disrupt markets, or create unfair competition.
The commission aims to provide a platform to address consumer concerns, clarify business practices, and enforce compliance with regulatory standards.
The commission urge consumers to continue to report instances of poor service delivery or exploitative practices to the FCCPC through its official channels.
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