Nigeria’s consumer protection authority has issued a summons to Air Peace, the country’s largest domestic carrier, over widespread claims that it failed to reimburse customers for cancelled flights.
In a statement released on Monday, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said the airline’s behaviour may be in breach of consumer protection laws. The Commission cited complaints received from passengers nationwide, some of whom had reportedly waited months for refunds that never materialised.
Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, said Air Peace’s failure to honour refunds could violate key provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, which entitles consumers to prompt refunds when services are not rendered.
“Fair dealing with consumers is a core principle under the FCCPA,” said Ijagwu. “Air Peace has a legal obligation to return funds to passengers when it fails to operate scheduled services.”
The summons, dated 13 June, compels Air Peace to appear before the Commission in Abuja on 23 June 2025. The airline is also required to submit supporting documents, including a 12-month log of refund-related complaints, a list of all cancelled flights within the period, and evidence of any steps taken to address passenger grievances.
Failure to comply could result in stiff penalties, including fines and imprisonment, under Section 33 of the Act.
The FCCPC has been scrutinising Air Peace since 2024, when it opened a separate probe into alleged price manipulation on domestic routes. The airline responded by taking legal action to halt the investigation—though Monday’s summons concerns a different issue.
Consumer groups have applauded the FCCPC’s move, calling for greater accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
