🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Court upholds FCCPC's power to investigate airline ticket pricing
via Punch Nigeria11 min read
The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission's authority to investigate consumer complaints regarding airline ticket pricing. This ruling marks a significant victory for the FCCPC in its legal dispute with Air Peace Limited, which had challenged the commission's power to probe fare increases. Justice B.F.M. Nyako dismissed Air Peace's suit, clarifying that the FCCPC's investigative powers are distinct from its statutory ability to regulate or fix prices. This decision follows an earlier judgment in April 2026 by Justice James Omotosho, who also dismissed a similar suit by Air Peace. The case originated from a 2025 suit filed by Air Peace after the FCCPC requested information following widespread consumer complaints about sharp increases in ticket prices during the 2024 Christmas travel season. Air Peace had argued that the FCCPC lacked the authority to inquire into airfare pricing unless the President activated price regulation provisions. However, Justice Nyako ruled that the FCCPC acted within its powers under Sections 17, 32, and 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, stating that the request for information was a lawful fact-finding exercise and not price regulation. The court emphasized that accepting Air Peace's interpretation would undermine the commission's investigative mandate. Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, welcomed the judgment, reiter
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