The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has expressed concern over what it calls Air Peace’s attempts to “obfuscate and distract” from ongoing investigations into allegations of exploitative pricing and consumer rights violations.
In a statement on Sunday, FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs Ondaje Ijagwu addressed the airline’s recent press conference, where it made claims the Commission described as “outlandish” and “misleading.”
Ijagwu reiterated that the inquiry into Air Peace’s practices, including alleged unjustified fare hikes and flight disruptions, remains active and impartial.
“The Commission’s investigation is grounded in complaints received from passengers about fare increases, lack of transparency, and arbitrary flight cancellations,” Ijagwu said.
He added that the FCCPC, under the 2018 Act, is mandated to ensure fair pricing and protect consumers from exploitation across all sectors, including aviation.
The inquiry follows allegations that Air Peace inflated ticket prices for domestic flights, with fares allegedly proposed to range between N500,000 and N700,000 for a one-hour flight. These claims have been contested by some consumers, who argue that operating costs cited by Air Peace do not align with the average expenses for similar routes.
FCCPC also raised concerns about accusations that Air Peace influenced other airlines to increase ticket prices. Reports of arbitrary flight cancellations and surcharges for rescheduling have further fueled consumer grievances.
Passengers’ frustrations recently boiled over on November 29, when a delayed Air Peace flight at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport caused a late-night rampage, requiring security intervention.
In its statement, the Commission dismissed Air Peace’s assertion that aviation regulations exempt the airline from FCCPC oversight. It emphasized that consumer rights are inalienable under Nigerian law, granting the Commission authority to investigate and ensure compliance with fair competition and consumer protection standards.
The FCCPC reassured the public of its commitment to a transparent investigation, stating that no “blackmail or cowboy tactics” would derail its efforts to safeguard consumer rights and market fairness.
