The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday dismissed a suit by Air Peace challenging the authority of Nigeria’s consumer protection agency to investigate complaints over unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights and other passenger service issues.
Justice James Omotosho said the case lacked merit and held that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, acted within its powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.
The case tested whether the FCCPC could investigate consumer complaints and issue summons without first referring the matter to a sector regulator or an inspector. Omotosho ruled that the law allows the commission to receive complaints, dismiss frivolous ones, refer matters where necessary or direct an investigation, and said the agency was free to choose any of those options.
Air Peace had also argued that it was denied fair hearing because the identities of the complainants were not disclosed before the summons was issued. The judge rejected that claim as premature and said the airline must comply with the summons and appear before the commission.
FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman Tunji Bello welcomed the ruling, saying it clarified the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting consumers and promoting fair market practices. He said the underlying complaints related to ticket refunds, flight cancellations and other service concerns affecting passengers.
Bello said an investigation is an administrative process aimed at establishing facts and determining whether further action is necessary, not a finding of liability or wrongdoing. He urged businesses to cooperate with lawful regulatory processes and maintain effective complaint resolution systems.
