The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has welcomed a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja that reaffirmed its statutory authority to investigate consumer complaints, following the dismissal of a case filed by Air Peace.

In a statement on Monday, the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the ruling delivered by Justice James Omotosho clarifies FCCPC’s legal mandate to conduct investigations and issue summons where necessary.

The Commission said the court affirmed its powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, which enables it to receive and examine complaints and take lawful steps to safeguard consumer rights.

The statement read, “The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission notes the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, 20 April 2026, dismissing the suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the Commission’s authority to investigate consumer complaints and issue summons in the exercise of its statutory mandate.

“The judgment, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, affirms the Commission’s powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, to receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.”

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Tunji Bello, described the judgment as an important affirmation of regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s marketplace.

Bello said, “We welcome this judgment, which provides useful clarity on the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting consumers and promoting fair market practices.

“It affirms the Commission’s authority to receive complaints, review them, and take appropriate steps where necessary, in accordance with the law.”

He explained that the case stemmed from complaints by airline passengers concerning issues such as unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service-related grievances.

According to him, the judgment reinforces the principle that consumers who pay for services are entitled to fairness, transparency, and appropriate redress.

“Consumers who pay for services deserve fair treatment and accountability. This judgement strengthens our resolve to ensure that their rights are protected at all times,” Bello added.

The FCCPC boss further explained that investigations conducted by the Commission should not be taken as an assertion of wrongdoing by any company.

“Investigation is an administrative process intended to establish facts and determine whether further action is warranted. It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing,” he said.