The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on Monday, April 20, 2026, which dismissed a suit filed by Air Peace Limited.
The suit had challenged the Commission’s authority to investigate consumer complaints and issue summonses in the exercise of its statutory mandate.
In a statement signed by its Corporate Affairs Director, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission said the judgment, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, affirmed its powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 (FCCPA) to receive complaints, assess matters, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigations where necessary.
The statement quoted the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, to have welcomed the judgement of the court, stating that “the judgement provides useful clarity on the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting consumers and promoting fair market practices.”
Mr Bello was said to have noted that the matter arose from complaints relating to unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns affecting passengers.
He reaffirmed that consumers who paid for services were entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.
And further emphasised that investigation was an administrative process intended to establish facts and determine whether further action was warranted.
According to him, “It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing.”
He said the Commission was committed to engaging all market participants in a fair, professional, and transparent manner, while ensuring due process at every stage of its proceedings.
Moreso, Bello encouraged businesses operating in Nigeria to “cooperate with lawful regulatory processes and to 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,” he stated.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is Nigeria’s primary competition and consumer protection authority, established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.
