Court backs FCCPC authority to investigate complaints, dismisses Air Peace case
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the powers of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate consumer complaints and issue summons.
The judgment, delivered on Monday by Justice James Omotosho, affirmed the authority of the commission under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 to receive complaints, review matters brought before it and take lawful steps, including investigations where necessary.
Reacting to the ruling, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, said the judgment offers “useful clarity on the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting consumers and promoting fair market practices.”
According to Bello, the suit arose from complaints relating to “unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns affecting passengers.”
He stressed that consumers who pay for services are entitled to “fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.”
Bello also explained that an investigation “is an administrative process intended to establish facts and determine whether further action is warranted,” adding that it “does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing.”
He said the commission remains committed to engaging all businesses in a “fair, professional, and transparent manner,” while ensuring due process at every stage of its proceedings.
The FCCPC boss further urged companies operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory processes and maintain effective complaint resolution systems that address consumer issues promptly and fairly.
