The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has initiated an investigation into Air Peace Limited, Nigeria’s largest airline, following a surge in passenger complaints regarding the airline’s refund practices, particularly concerning cancelled flights. The FCCPC, the primary consumer protection agency in Nigeria, issued a formal summons to Air Peace on June 13, 2025, requiring the airline’s management to appear at the Commission’s Abuja headquarters on June 23, 2025. The summons directs Air Peace to provide comprehensive documentation related to refund requests, cancelled flights, and measures taken to mitigate the impact on affected passengers. This action underscores the FCCPC’s commitment to upholding consumer rights and ensuring fair business practices within the aviation sector.
The core issue prompting the FCCPC’s intervention centers around allegations of Air Peace’s failure to refund ticket fares to passengers, even in cases where the airline itself cancelled the scheduled flights. This practice, according to the FCCPC, potentially violates Sections 130(1)(a) and (b), and 130(2)(b) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018 (FCCPA). These sections of the Act explicitly guarantee consumers the right to timely refunds when advance bookings, reservations, or orders are not fulfilled due to the service provider’s failure. The FCCPC’s statement emphasizes that these provisions are designed to protect consumers from unfair, unjust, or unreasonable practices and uphold the principle of fair dealing in commercial transactions.
The Commission’s summons, issued under the authority of Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, demands that Air Peace furnish specific evidence related to its refund procedures. The airline is required to submit a comprehensive complaint log detailing all refund-related issues received over the past 12 months. Further, they must provide records of every refund processed during this period, a complete list of all cancelled flights on all routes within the same timeframe, and documentation outlining the steps taken by the airline to alleviate the inconvenience and hardship caused to passengers affected by these cancellations. This detailed information will enable the FCCPC to assess the extent of the alleged violations and determine the appropriate course of action.
The FCCPC’s investigation carries significant weight, as non-compliance with the summons could result in severe penalties for Air Peace. Section 33(3) of the FCCPA mandates compliance with the Commission’s directives, and failure to do so could lead to substantial fines or even imprisonment. The Commission’s proactive stance in addressing consumer grievances reflects its commitment to protecting passenger rights and ensuring accountability within the airline industry. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Air Peace and potentially influence future practices within the sector.
While not explicitly mentioned in the official statement, the FCCPC’s action follows a recent public dispute involving Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Air Peace staff. The senator alleged that he missed a flight due to what he described as racketeering by airline officials. Although Air Peace claimed that Oshiomhole arrived late at the airport, the senator countered that he witnessed airline staff boarding other passengers who arrived later than him. Oshiomhole further alleged that approximately 20 to 30 other passengers experienced similar treatment, with airline staff allegedly demanding an additional N109,100 to reschedule them onto a later flight. This incident, though not officially linked to the FCCPC’s investigation, highlights the growing public concern regarding Air Peace’s customer service practices and potential exploitation of passengers.
The FCCPC’s investigation into Air Peace’s refund practices comes at a critical juncture for the Nigerian aviation industry. With increasing passenger numbers and growing competition, ensuring fair and transparent business practices is paramount. The outcome of this investigation will send a strong message to other airlines about the importance of upholding consumer rights and adhering to the provisions of the FCCPA. It also underscores the FCCPC’s dedication to fostering a competitive and consumer-friendly marketplace within the aviation sector. The Commission’s proactive approach in addressing passenger complaints and its willingness to hold airlines accountable for their actions is crucial for maintaining public trust and promoting a healthy and sustainable aviation industry in Nigeria.
