Differences in opinion have arisen between the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) regarding an ongoing investigation involving Air Peace by the FCCPC.
The minister criticized the FCCPC’s statement on consumer complaints related to alleged exploitation and violations of customer rights by Air Peace, deeming it careless. In contrast, the FCCPC defended its actions, stating that it was acting within its mandate.
The FCCPC recently announced an investigation into widespread consumer complaints concerning alleged exploitation and violations of customer rights in various sectors, including banking, telecommunications, and the aviation industry with a focus on Air Peace.
During a press conference in Lagos, the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Toyin Olajide, acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s support and suggested that the FCCPC was being influenced by certain entities against the airline.
In an interview on ARISE TV, Keyamo criticized the FCCPC for making allegations without consulting the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, the regulatory body for the aviation industry. He emphasized the need for proper consultation before such statements are made.
The FCCPC responded by cautioning Air Peace against obstructing their inquiry and expressed concern over the airline’s attempts to divert attention from the ongoing investigation into exploitative pricing practices and potential violations of consumer rights.
The FCCPC emphasized its authority under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018 to conduct inquiries and ensure fair pricing practices across various sectors, including aviation, to protect consumers’ rights and prevent exploitation.