A federal high court in Abuja has affirmed the authority of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate consumer complaints and issue summons in the exercise of its statutory mandate.
In a statement on Monday, the commission said the judgment
followed the dismissal of a suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the
agency’s powers to investigate complaints against the airline.
The commission said the judgment, delivered by James
Omotosho, affirmed its powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer
Protection Act, 2018, to receive complaints, assess matters brought before it,
and take lawful steps, including investigations where necessary.
Reacting to the ruling, Tunji Bello, executive vice-chairman
and chief executive officer (EVC/CEO) of the FCCPC, said the decision provides
clarity on the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting consumers and
promoting fair market practices.
“The judgment provides useful clarity on the importance of
regulatory oversight in protecting consumers and promoting fair market
practices,” Bello said.
He said the case arose from complaints relating to
unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns
affecting passengers.
“Consumers who pay for services are entitled to fair
treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law,” he
said.
Bello added that investigations conducted by the commission
are administrative processes intended to establish facts and determine whether
further action is required.
“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,” he said.
The EVC said the commission remains committed to engaging
market participants in a fair and transparent manner while ensuring due
process.
“We are committed to engaging all market participants in a
fair, professional, and transparent manner, while ensuring due process at every
stage of our proceedings,” Bello said.
He urged businesses operating in Nigeria to cooperate with
lawful regulatory processes and maintain effective complaint resolution
systems.
The FCCPC boss said the commission will continue to act
within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets,
and strengthen confidence in essential service sectors, including aviation.
In February, the
commission said it had uncovered patterns of price manipulation by some
domestic airlines during the December 2025 festive season, with ticket price
differences on certain routes reaching as high as N405,000.
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