The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has the legal right to investigate complaints about airline ticket prices. The court explained that investigating consumer complaints is different from fixing or regulating prices.
The judgment came after Air Peace challenged the commission’s authority to investigate its airfare increases. The airline argued that the FCCPC could only look into ticket prices if the President officially activated the price control sections of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act.
However, Justice B.F.M. Nyako disagreed with the airline’s argument. The judge ruled that the FCCPC acted within its legal powers when it requested information from Air Peace after receiving several complaints from passengers about high ticket prices during the 2024 Christmas travel season.
According to the court, asking for information is simply part of an investigation. It does not mean the commission is trying to control or fix airline ticket prices. The judge pointed out that the FCCPC never ordered Air Peace to reduce its fares, set a pricing formula, or declare its prices illegal.
The lawsuit began in 2025 after the FCCPC requested details from Air Peace following widespread complaints over sharp increases in domestic airfare. Air Peace then asked the court to stop the commission from investigating ticket pricing, insisting that such powers belonged elsewhere unless special conditions were met.
Justice Nyako ruled that the commission’s actions were lawful under Sections 17, 32, and 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act. The judge also warned that accepting Air Peace’s interpretation would prevent the FCCPC from investigating consumer complaints about pricing, weakening its ability to protect the public.
This is the second court victory for the FCCPC against Air Peace. In April 2026, another Federal High Court judge dismissed a similar lawsuit filed by the airline over the commission’s investigative powers.
Reacting to the latest judgment, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tunji Bello welcomed the decision. He said the ruling clearly confirms that investigating complaints is different from regulating prices.
Bello explained that an investigation is only meant to gather facts and should not be seen as an accusation or punishment. He added that every regulator must be able to examine credible complaints from consumers without being accused of interfering with market prices.
He also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to carrying out its duties fairly, transparently, and in line with the law while protecting consumers from unfair business practices.
Over the past few years, the FCCPC has increased its investigations across several industries, including aviation, telecommunications, financial services, digital platforms, and consumer goods. The commission says its mission is to promote fair competition and ensure businesses treat consumers fairly.
The dispute with Air Peace started after many Nigerians complained about the sharp rise in domestic flight fares during the busy December 2024 holiday period. Following the court’s decision, the FCCPC can continue investigating the complaints without being seen as regulating airline prices.
