By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has welcomed a ruling by the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja dismissing a suit filed by Air Peace Limited that challenged the Commission’s authority to investigate consumer complaints and issue summons in the exercise of its statutory mandate.
The judgment, delivered on Monday by Justice James Omotosho, affirmed the powers of the Commission under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 to receive complaints, review issues brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigations where necessary.
In a statement signed by the FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission said the ruling provides clarity on the role of regulatory oversight in safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring fairness in the marketplace.
Reacting to the decision, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Tunji Bello, described the judgment as an important affirmation of the Commission’s mandate to protect consumers and promote fair market practices in Nigeria.
Bello explained that the dispute arose from complaints lodged by airline passengers concerning unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service-related issues affecting customers of Air Peace.
He reiterated that consumers who pay for services are entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and timely redress in line with applicable laws, stressing that the Commission’s investigative processes are administrative procedures meant to establish facts.
According to him, such investigations do not amount to a determination of liability or wrongdoing but are necessary steps to ascertain whether further regulatory action is warranted.
The FCCPC chief also emphasized that the Commission remains committed to engaging all market participants in a fair, professional, and transparent manner while ensuring strict adherence to due process at every stage of its proceedings.
He further urged businesses operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory processes and to establish effective complaint resolution mechanisms capable of addressing consumer grievances promptly and fairly.
The Commission reaffirmed that it will continue to operate within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets, and strengthen confidence in essential service sectors, including aviation.
