The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has once again summoned the management of Air Peace Limited over widespread complaints from passengers about the airline’s failure to refund ticket fares, including in cases where flights were cancelled.
This marks the second time in seven months that the consumer watchdog is investigating the airline for alleged violations of consumer rights. In a formal summons dated June 13, 2025, the FCCPC directed Air Peace to appear before the Commission at its Abuja headquarters on Monday, June 23, 2025.
The Commission, invoking its powers under Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA 2018, stated that non-compliance could result in sanctions, including fines or imprisonment, as stipulated under Section 33(3). The FCCPC said Air Peace’s actions may contravene Sections 130(1)(a), 130(1)(b), and 130(2)(b) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which guarantee consumers the right to prompt refunds when a service provider fails to deliver prepaid services.
The summons requires Air Peace to present key documentation, including a log of refund-related complaints from the past 12 months, records of all processed refunds, a list of cancelled flights on all routes, and measures taken to address hardship faced by affected passengers.
The Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, emphasized that the Act enshrines the principles of fair treatment and consumer protection against unjust or unreasonable practices.
This latest enforcement action comes shortly after a public dispute involving Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Air Peace staff, where the senator accused airline officials of racketeering and extortion after he and other passengers allegedly missed their flights. While Air Peace claimed the senator arrived late, Oshiomhole insisted that passengers were asked to pay an additional ₦109,100 to be rescheduled.
This development is also distinct from an earlier investigation launched by the FCCPC in December 2024 over alleged exploitative pricing by Air Peace on certain domestic routes. That inquiry, which looked into sharp fare increases and opaque pricing practices, prompted the airline to file a lawsuit seeking to halt the investigation.
Despite the ongoing legal challenge, the Commission has reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers and enforcing the FCCPA. It stressed that airlines must fulfill refund obligations promptly and transparently, especially when flights are cancelled. It also cited Section 19.9 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Regulations 2023, which provides that passengers are entitled to prompt reimbursement or rerouting in the event of cancellations—immediately for cash payments on domestic flights, and within 14 days for other payment methods.
The FCCPC said it remains steadfast in ensuring that market players operate within the bounds of fair competition and consumer protection laws.
