The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have expressed divergent views regarding the commission’s investigation of alleged consumer rights violations by Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s major airlines.

The FCCPC recently launched a probe into various sectors, including aviation, focusing on Air Peace over allegations of exploitative pricing and customer rights violations. The development has sparked tensions, with both the airline and the aviation ministry questioning the agency’s actions.

---

Keyamo Criticizes FCCPC’s Approach

During an interview on ARISE TV, Keyamo described the FCCPC’s public allegations as “careless,” asserting that the agency failed to consult the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)—the primary regulator for aviation. He emphasized that the NCAA holds exclusive authority over airline pricing and regulatory issues.

Keyamo remarked:

“I think it was a very careless statement by that agency… The powers to regulate and for the airlines to inform about their pricing are domiciled in the NCAA. They should have consulted the NCAA for facts before making such claims.”

He cautioned against overreach by FCCPC, arguing that its mandate should not extend excessively into other sectors, including aviation.

---

FCCPC Defends Its Mandate

In response, the FCCPC dismissed claims of overreach, insisting its investigation is within its statutory authority. According to the commission, Section 127(1)(a) of the FCCPA 2018 empowers it to ensure fair, competitive, and non-exploitative pricing practices across all sectors, including aviation.

The FCCPC also criticized Air Peace for allegedly obstructing its inquiry. Its statement read:

“Passengers are consumers of Air Peace’s services. Their rights are inalienable and guaranteed under the FCCPA. It is the basis of FCCPC’s intervention.”

The agency highlighted its discretion to conduct inquiries in public or private, explaining that the ongoing proceedings are being held confidentially to maintain good faith and preserve sensitive information.

---

Air Peace’s Response

Air Peace’s Chief Operating Officer, Toyin Olajide, accused the FCCPC of being influenced by external parties to target the airline unfairly. She called for the agency to refrain from actions that could damage the airline’s reputation and hinder its international growth efforts.

---

Legal and Regulatory Implications

This clash highlights the tension between sector-specific regulators like the NCAA and multi-sector oversight bodies like the FCCPC. It raises questions about the scope of regulatory mandates and the balance of power between agencies when addressing consumer protection in specialized industries.

As the investigation continues, the aviation sector and consumer rights stakeholders will watch closely to see how the matter unfolds.