The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority have commenced investigation to ascertain if the there was abuse in the process of the recent adjustment in airfare by airline operators.
This was disclosed in Abuja by heads of the two regulatory agencies at the inauguration of the Joint Task Committee for the negotiations of Memorandum of Understanding between the FCCPC and NCAA. Taking the first shot, the FCCPC
Executive Vice Chairman, Babatunde Irukera said the investigation being carried is to ensure that the airline operators did not take unilateral decision to increase the fare thereby contravening some provisions of the Consumer Act.
He emphasized that the regulatory process will be evidence base adding that FCCPC will ensure that the market remains competitive.
The FCCPC boss also noted that the Aviation sector is the high area of complaint and dissatisfaction by consumers which informed the present collaboration to address it.
As for the NCAA Director General, Musa Nuhu, there are lay down processes by the agency that must be followed before an airfare is increased and must not be exploitative.
He pointed out that Airlines operations are expected to submit to the NCAA their request for increment of fare seven days for consideration and review before embarking on it.
The NCAA helmsman further said severe sanctions would be meted out if any act of collusion is uncovered.
However, pointed out that the demand for air transport escalated due to several factors attached to land travels as such the two party must fashion out what will be favourable to both the consumers and operators.
