The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissing a suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the commission’s authority to investigate consumer complaints and issue summons in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
The judgment, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, affirmed the commission’s powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 to receive complaints, review matters brought before it and take lawful steps, including investigations where necessary.
Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the ruling provided useful clarity on the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting consumers and promoting fair market practices.
He noted that the matter arose from complaints relating to unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights and other service concerns affecting airline passengers.
In a statement issued by the FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, Bello stressed that consumers who pay for services are entitled to fair treatment, transparency and redress in line with applicable laws.
He further explained that investigation is an administrative process designed to establish facts and determine whether further regulatory action is necessary.
According to him, such investigations do not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing.
Bello said the commission remains 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 to maintain effective complaint resolution systems capable of addressing consumer issues promptly and fairly.
The commission added that it would continue to act within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets and strengthen confidence in key service sectors, including aviation.
