The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it now receives over 100 complaints daily from consumers regarding poor services by firms and service providers, a figure that is relatively small for the whole country but significantly higher than the past.

The agency, formerly the Consumer Protection Council, said before now it received an average of 50 complaints monthly, indicating low consumer rights awareness.

Nigerians frequently accuse service providers and private companies of mistreating customers and violating their rights. Yet, few follow through the process of filing complaints and seeking redress. The banking, telecoms and aviation sectors are the usually the most criticised sectors.

In February, airlines in the country raised flight tickets in the country 100 per cent to N50,000 against anti-competitive laws and have not reversed or moderated the rates despite complaints from passengers and a directive by the FCCPC.

The government said it is doing more to raise awareness amongst customers about their rights, and will do so working with civil society organisations. The FCCPC met with 30 CSOs in Abuja on Tuesday, the first of such engagements.

Mr Aliyu said the number of complaints has increased from 50 received quarterly or monthly previously as a result of “enlightenment for the consumers”.

He urged the groups to engage citizens through consumer rights awareness campaigns to broaden their knowledge on rights.