Court backs FCCPC on consumer complaints, dismisses Air Peace challenge

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the authority of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate consumer complaints and issue summons in the discharge of its statutory duties.

Delivering judgment on Monday, April 20, 2026, Justice James Omotosho upheld the Commission’s powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, affirming its mandate to receive complaints, assess cases, and take appropriate lawful actions, including investigations.

The case stemmed from multiple consumer complaints involving refunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service-related issues affecting airline passengers.

Reacting to the ruling, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, described the judgment as a significant affirmation of regulatory oversight in safeguarding consumer rights and promoting fair market practices.

He noted that investigations conducted by the Commission are administrative in nature and aimed at establishing facts to determine whether further action is necessary. According to him, such processes do not imply guilt or wrongdoing on the part of any organisation.

In a statement signed by the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission reiterated that consumers who pay for services are entitled to transparency, fair treatment, and effective redress in line with existing laws.

Bello

Bello further emphasised the Commission’s commitment to engaging stakeholders in a fair, transparent, and professional manner, while ensuring due process in all its proceedings.

He also urged businesses operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory processes and to establish efficient complaint resolution mechanisms to address customer concerns promptly.

The FCCPC reaffirmed its resolve to operate within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competition, and strengthen public confidence in key service sectors, including aviation.