Aviation
FCCPC Wins Again as Court Affirms Power to Probe Air Peace Ticket Pricing
A Federal High Court has upheld the FCCPC’s authority to investigate consumer complaints over Air Peace ticket pricing, dismissing the airline’s legal challenge
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, July 10, 2026, affirmed the authority of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate consumer complaints over Air Peace Limited’s ticket pricing, dismissing a suit filed by the airline challenging the regulator’s statutory powers.
Also read: Tinubu Triggers FCCPC Investigation of Google, Meta, X Over Allegations
The ruling, delivered by Justice Binta Fatima Nyako, clarified that the commission’s power to investigate consumer complaints is separate from the authority to regulate or fix prices under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018.
The decision marks another significant legal victory for the consumer protection agency after an earlier judgment in April 2026 similarly upheld its investigative powers in a related case involving Air Peace.
The dispute stemmed from a January 2025 request by the FCCPC for information following widespread complaints from passengers over sharp increases in domestic airfares during the 2024 festive period.
Air Peace argued that the commission lacked the authority to investigate airfare pricing unless the President first invoked the price regulation provisions contained in Sections 88, 89 and 90 of the FCCPA.
The airline asked the court to restrain the regulator from examining the matter.
Justice Nyako rejected the argument, holding that the commission acted within its investigative powers under Sections 17, 32 and 33 of the Act when it sought information from the airline.
The court found that requesting information as part of an investigation did not amount to regulating prices. Justice Nyako noted that the FCCPC neither directed Air Peace to reduce its fares nor imposed any pricing formula or declared the airline’s fares unlawful.
According to the judgment, adopting Air Peace’s interpretation would effectively prevent the commission from investigating consumer pricing complaints unless presidential approval had first been obtained, an outcome the court said was not intended by the legislature.
The ruling reinforces an earlier decision delivered in April by Justice James Omotosho, who dismissed another suit in which Air Peace challenged the commission’s authority to investigate consumer complaints and issue summons while carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
Reacting to the judgment, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tunji Bello described the ruling as an important affirmation of the commission’s mandate to protect consumers and promote fair competition.
“The Court has again affirmed an important principle under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act. Investigating consumer complaints is fundamentally different from regulating prices. The FCCPC neither sought to fix nor regulate Air Peace’s fares. It simply exercised its lawful authority to obtain information as part of an investigation into a matter of legitimate consumer concern,” Bello said.
Bello stressed that investigations should not be interpreted as enforcement actions or findings of wrongdoing.
“An investigation is a fact-finding process. It is neither a finding of liability nor an enforcement action. Every responsible regulator must be able to inquire into credible complaints affecting consumers and markets without interference.”
The latest judgment provides further legal clarity on the scope of the FCCPC’s investigative powers and is expected to strengthen the commission’s oversight of consumer complaints across key sectors, including aviation.
Also read: Tinubu Triggers FCCPC Investigation of Google, Meta, X Over Allegations
The case also comes amid increased public scrutiny of domestic airfare pricing, with passengers and consumer groups repeatedly raising concerns over fluctuating ticket costs on major Nigerian routes.
The Gusau International Airport (GIA) in Zamfara state has passed the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) quality assurance tests and inspections ahead of the commencement of commercial operations next month.
The development comes as the airport prepares to begin scheduled commercial flights between Gusau and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
According to a statement by the state government on Tuesday, XEJet Limited is expected to operate bi-weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays from the first week of October.
An official of a leading Nigerian aviation agency said the airport’s instrument flight procedures had undergone ICAO’s 17-step quality assurance and approval process, with GIA completing and passing all the stages.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, said the process was part of Nigeria’s efforts to implement corrective measures recommended by ICAO.
ICAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for coordinating international air navigation standards and promoting the safe and orderly development of international air transport.
Nigeria’s civil aviation system recorded an effective implementation (EI) score of 75 percent after an ICAO audit in 2023.
The official said ICAO conducted a follow-up inspection, known as the ICAO coordinated validation mission (ICVM), in April 2026, during which Nigeria had a significant safety concern (SSC).
He said the concern was resolved within the prescribed 40-day period, although Nigeria was required to implement associated medium-term corrective action plans.
As part of the corrective measures, the instrument flight procedures at several Nigerian airports were subjected to ICAO’s 17-step quality assurance and approval process.
“Of all the airports assessed, only Gusau International Airport (GIA) completed and passed all the 17 steps,” the senior aviation official said.
“The evidence of GIA’s successful completion of this demanding process formed part of the documentation submitted to ICAO.
“Following the ICVM, Nigeria achieved an impressive EI score of 95.1%.”
On September 21, the Zamfara government signed an air route development partnership agreement with XEJet for scheduled commercial flights between Gusau and Abuja.
The agreement is expected to enhance access to Zamfara and open greater opportunities for investors, businesses and visitors.
Gusau International Airport internet deployment begins ahead of October 1 commercial operations, with free connectivity planned for passengers and staff
The Zamfara State Government has signed an Air Route Development Partnership Agreement with XEJet Limited for scheduled commercial flights between Gusau International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed on Monday marked an important step towards improving connectivity and facilitating business, investment, tourism and economic growth in Zamfara State.
A statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, chaired the signing ceremony.
The statement added that the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammed Nakwada, signed on behalf of the State Government.
The statement read in parts: “Zamfara State government has signed an Air Route Development Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with XEJet Limited for scheduled commercial flights connecting Abuja and Gusau.
“Under the agreement, XEJet will operate bi-weekly flights beginning next month.
“The new air route will enhance access to Zamfara and open greater opportunities for investors, businesses and visitors.”
In his remarks at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor emphasised that the partnership aligns with the state government’s strategic goal of enhancing transportation infrastructure.
He said, “The Gusau International Airport was built entirely from scratch and completed within two years.”
“The main goal of constructing the airport is to make it easier and more efficient for people and goods to move, which should help boost the economy.”
“Governor Lawal has been actively seeking international investors and donor agencies, all of whom are willing to invest in Zamfara.”
“This milestone of initiating a commercial flight will draw potential investors. Improving the state’s accessibility is our top priority, as it will create a more welcoming environment for business growth and investment.”
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