Ticket refund: Court dismisses Air Peace’s suit, affirms FCCPC power to investigate consumer complaints

• Bello lauds judgement

The Federal High Court, Abuja, has affirmed the power of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.

In a judgment delivered on Monday, Justice James Omotosho dismissed the suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the Commission’s authority to investigate consumer complaints and issue summons in the exercise of its statutory mandate.

Omotosho affirms the Commission’s powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 (FCCPA) to receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.

Welcoming the decision, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, said the judgment provides useful clarity on the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting consumers and promoting fair market practices.

He noted that the matter arose from complaints about unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service issues affecting passengers.

Bello reiterated that consumers who pay for services are entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.

He further emphasised that investigation is an administrative process intended to establish facts and determine whether further action is warranted. It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing.

According to him, the Commission is committed to engaging all market participants in a fair, professional, and transparent manner, while ensuring due process at every stage of its proceedings.

He encouraged businesses operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory processes and maintain effective complaint-resolution systems that address consumer issues promptly and fairly.

“‘The FCCPC will continue to act within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets, and strengthen confidence in essential service sectors, including aviation.”‘

The consumer protection agency, he said, is Nigeria’s primary competition and consumer protection authority established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.

Wole Shadare