Mrs Susan Akporiaye, President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), expresses satisfaction with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) decision to investigate the alarming airfare situation in Nigeria.
NANTA, in response to public grievances, previously engaged in advocacy and lodged complaints with relevant authorities, seeking intervention to alleviate the burden on Nigerian travelers and mitigate the adverse effects on the travel trade industry.
Mrs Akporiaye commends the Federal Government, especially Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera, for committing to scrutinize the current airfare structure in Nigeria.
She views this initiative as a significant step towards addressing an ongoing issue that has considerably impacted both the public and travel professionals.
Expressing gratitude, Mrs Akporiaye refers to Mr Irukera’s announcement as a “Christmas and new year gift” to travel agents who have borne the brunt of airline-induced fare hikes in Nigeria.
She pledges NANTA’s cooperation, offering to provide relevant information to support the regulatory authority in restoring order to fare management and providing relief to Nigerian customers.
During a press event in Abuja, Mr. Babatunde Irukera emphasized the complexity of investigating airfare pricing, highlighting challenges in determining price hikes in a free-market economy.
He outlined the difficulty in imposing price controls, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation and evidence before regulatory intervention. Mr Irukera acknowledged the intricate nature of forensic studies in airfare pricing, citing the competitive landscape as a crucial factor influencing pricing dynamics.
In addressing concerns about high airfares, Mr. Irukera emphasized the importance of establishing evidence rather than acting solely on perception.
He clarified that the regulatory authority’s role is to confront issues based on credible findings, underscoring the necessity for diligent work in addressing airfare-related challenges in Nigeria.
