Ticket Refund: Court Affirms FCCPC’s Powers to Probe Consumer Complaints Against Air Peace

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the authority of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate consumer complaints, particularly those relating to airline ticket refunds.

Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice James Omotosho affirmed the powers of the FCCPC under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, to receive complaints, assess issues brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigations where necessary.

Reacting to the ruling, the FCCPC described the decision as a significant affirmation of its statutory mandate to protect consumers and promote fair market practices across sectors, including aviation.

The Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, who conveyed the agency’s position in a statement, said the case stemmed from complaints over unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights and other service-related concerns affecting passengers.

Ijagwu quoted the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr Tunji Bello, as saying the judgment provides clarity on the importance of regulatory oversight in safeguarding consumer rights.

He reiterated that consumers who pay for services are entitled to fair treatment, transparency and redress in line with extant laws, adding that the Commission’s investigative processes are administrative and do not in themselves amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing.

He said the FCCPC remains committed to engaging market participants in a fair, professional and transparent manner, while ensuring due process at every stage of its proceedings.

Bello further urged businesses operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory processes and establish effective complaint resolution mechanisms to address consumer issues promptly and fairly.

He added that the Commission would continue to act within its mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets and strengthen confidence in essential service sectors.