The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA) has expressed its support for the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) investigation into allegations of consumer exploitation leveled against Air Peace.

The group also urged the FCCPC to widen its probe to include other airlines operating in the country.

In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by NANTA President Yinka Folami, the association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting fair practices in the aviation sector, advocating for policies that protect consumers and ensure equitable market operations.

Last week, the FCCPC launched an inquiry into consumer complaints involving Air Peace, Guaranty Trust Bank, and MTN. The commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, stated that the investigations aim to address issues related to poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential violations of consumer rights.

Air Peace has denied the allegations, asserting that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority regulates the aviation sector and that any issues should be addressed through the appropriate channels.

However, Folami emphasized that the FCCPC, established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018, holds the mandate to investigate and enforce consumer rights in Nigeria.

“We support the protection of consumer rights against anti-consumer services and discriminatory pricing,” Folami said.

“We also urge an extension of the inquiry beyond one airline, particularly to investigate the arbitrary pricing structure of airfares, including domestic and international routes.

”Folami highlighted concerns over excessive taxes and surcharges, such as fuel surcharges (YQ taxes), which significantly impact ticket prices.

He called for greater transparency and fairness in airfare pricing and better customer service for Nigerian travelers.“An inquiry into delays, cancellations, poor customer care, and cross-border trading practices is critical,” Folami added.

“These practices often disadvantage the Nigerian market, extracting value from the national economy. Aviation is a serious business that requires a consumer-centric approach.”

NANTA also criticized domestic airlines for allegedly adopting global pricing models selectively to their advantage, particularly by restricting advance ticket purchases at lower fares.

“Since September 2024, it has been nearly impossible to purchase December tickets at lower price classes on domestic routes.

This practice is arbitrary and aligns with FCCPC’s concerns about discriminatory pricing,” Folami stated.

He further expressed confidence in the FCCPC’s methodology and urged collaboration among stakeholders to prioritize consumer protection in the aviation sector.

“We firmly lend our support and expertise to this long-overdue inquiry. If executed collaboratively, it will benefit Nigerian travelers and the entire market.”

The association concluded by reiterating its belief in the FCCPC’s capacity to address these issues and called for greater accountability and transparency in the aviation industry.