FCCPC Summons Air Peace Over Alleged Failure to Refund Cancelled Flight Tickets: “Consumers Deserve Justice,” Says Commission
In a bold move to protect Nigerian consumers from corporate malpractice, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has formally summoned the management of Air Peace Limited, Nigeria’s largest airline, over mounting complaints from passengers regarding unrefunded ticket fares, particularly in instances where the airline cancelled its own flights.
This development has sparked nationwide interest, particularly among the flying public, as many affected customers have taken to social media platforms and various consumer forums to voice their frustrations. In a statement released on Monday, June 16, 2025, the FCCPC stated that Air Peace’s failure to reimburse affected passengers may amount to a violation of Nigeria’s consumer protection laws.
FCCPC: "We Take Consumer Rights Seriously"
Speaking through its Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC explained that the Commission had received multiple complaints from consumers who were not refunded despite flights being cancelled by the airline itself—a scenario that, under Nigerian law, automatically entitles consumers to a full refund.
According to Ijagwu, “The airline’s actions may constitute a breach of Sections 130(1)(a), 130(1)(b), and 130(2)(b) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. These sections specifically protect consumers’ rights to receive refunds in a timely and efficient manner whenever services paid for are not rendered, especially in cases where cancellations originate from the service provider.”
The Commission said it is committed to ensuring that service providers in Nigeria, especially those in the aviation sector, do not abuse the trust and patience of consumers.
What the Law Says: Understanding FCCPA Sections Cited
To help the public understand why the Commission is acting, let’s break down the relevant sections of the FCCPA being enforced here:
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Section 130(1)(a): This section mandates that a consumer is entitled to a full refund for services not rendered.
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Section 130(1)(b): Specifies that refunds should be processed promptly.
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Section 130(2)(b): Allows consumers to seek redress where service providers fail to honour refund obligations.
The FCCPC noted that these rights are non-negotiable, and any company operating in Nigeria is expected to abide by them.
Air Peace Ordered to Appear Before FCCPC
In line with its investigative and regulatory powers, the FCCPC issued a formal summons on June 13, compelling the airline to appear before the Commission at its headquarters in Abuja on June 23, 2025.
The summons was issued under Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, which give the Commission the authority to demand documents, enforce compliance, and sanction violations.
“Specifically, Section 33(3) of the FCCPA mandates compliance, and failure attracts severe sanctions, including fines or imprisonment,” Ijagwu warned, emphasizing that the law would be strictly applied to protect consumers.
Documents Requested From Air Peace
As part of its comprehensive investigation, the FCCPC has demanded the following documents and records from Air Peace:
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A log of all refund-related complaints received in the last 12 months.
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Records of refunds actually processed within that same timeframe.
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A detailed list of all cancelled flights, covering all domestic and international routes, over the past one year.
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Policies, strategies, and customer service protocols adopted by the airline to address consumer hardship caused by flight disruptions.
These documents, according to the FCCPC, are crucial in determining whether the airline has violated Nigerian consumer protection laws and to what extent the violations have impacted the Nigerian public.
Why This Matters: A Wake-Up Call for the Aviation Industry
This summons represents a significant step in consumer advocacy in Nigeria. For years, air travelers have endured last-minute cancellations, poor communication, and refund delays. The lack of transparency and the slow pace at which refunds are processed—or even acknowledged—has become a source of national frustration.
By targeting Air Peace, the FCCPC is sending a clear message not only to the airline but to the entire aviation industry in Nigeria: consumer abuse will no longer be tolerated.
The Commission stated:
“This action reflects our commitment to ensuring fair treatment of consumers and holding service providers accountable for breaches of consumer rights.”
This is particularly critical now as more Nigerians depend on domestic air travel, especially with ongoing security issues on Nigeria’s highways. Consumer trust in the aviation industry is essential, and the FCCPC appears determined to restore it.
A History of Scrutiny: Air Peace Previously Investigated for Fare Hikes
This is not the first time Air Peace has been on the FCCPC’s radar. In 2024, the Commission launched a separate investigation into the airline over allegations of exploitative pricing, especially sudden and unexplained fare hikes on advance bookings for local routes.
At that time, the airline opted for legal action, filing a lawsuit to stop the FCCPC from proceeding with its inquiry. That case, which involved issues of market dominance and pricing practices, is still pending.
However, the FCCPC has clarified that the current summons is entirely separate and has nothing to do with pricing or previous investigations.
Mr. Ijagwu stated:
“This is a different issue. The current summons concerns refunds owed to passengers whose flights were cancelled by Air Peace itself. It’s not related to the previous matter on fare increases. These are two distinct investigations.”
What’s Next for Consumers?
Affected consumers and the general public are now watching closely to see how this situation unfolds. Should Air Peace comply and provide the requested documents, the FCCPC will review the submissions and decide whether to impose sanctions, demand reparations, or recommend criminal prosecution.
If the airline fails to appear or provide the required records, it risks serious consequences, including:
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Financial penalties
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Public censure
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Possible suspension or operational restrictions
This action by the FCCPC may also embolden consumers to speak out more about corporate abuse and inspire greater confidence in Nigeria’s consumer rights enforcement mechanisms.
NaijaRush will continue monitoring this developing story. If you have been affected by Air Peace’s refund policies or have a similar story, feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. Your voice matters, and together, we can demand better service and accountability for Nigerian consumers.
