Air Peace refutes allegations, drags FCCPC to Presidency over unfair investigation claims
The management of Air Peace Limited has addressed the ongoing controversy involving the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), stating that the airline has no unresolved issues with any regulatory body that would warrant public criticism.
Speaking during a press conference on Friday, the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, emphasized that Air Peace is a law-abiding company and has never engaged in practices that would lead to legitimate inquiries from regulators.
The controversy arose from an invitation by the FCCPC requesting clarification on alleged exorbitant ticket prices. Mrs. Olajide explained that upon receiving the invitation, Air Peace’s Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, personally traveled to Abuja to respond to the inquiry.
However, Mrs. Olajide expressed shock that despite this, the FCCPC issued a public statement suggesting that the airline was under investigation for unspecified infractions.
“Although the FCCPC assured us that the invitation was merely for inquiries, it went ahead to tell the press it was investigating us. This is unfair,” she said. “The impression created in the public was that the federal government was investigating Air Peace, which is not true. In fact, we are fully aware of and appreciate the federal government’s support for Air Peace.”
The COO criticized the FCCPC’s approach, stating that if the agency had any grievances, they should have been routed through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the primary regulator for the aviation sector, instead of being brought to the public domain.
“Any agency seeking clarification on our operations should write to the NCAA. The FCCPC not only contacted us directly but also publicized the matter, which has led to unnecessary media prosecution. Air Peace does not deserve this treatment considering the sacrifices we have made as a patriotic corporate organization,” Mrs. Olajide said.
She cited Air Peace’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its free evacuation of Nigerians during crises in Sudan, South Africa, and India, as examples of its commitment to national service.
“Honestly, Air Peace, the nation’s largest airline, has rendered free services to airlift Nigerians in danger, yet it is being unfairly treated by a federal agency,” she said. “We have reported the matter to the Presidency and the Ministry of Trade. The FCCPC claimed they were only making inquiries but told the press they were investigating us.”
On the issue of alleged high ticket prices, Mrs. Olajide attributed the fares to operational costs, including rising fuel prices, insurance, and other industry challenges.
“With fuel prices nearing N1,400 per liter on average, an hour-long flight should cost about N800,000. Yet, we make huge sacrifices to keep costs as low as $4,000 per flight. We borrow money at 30 percent interest and still prioritize safety and affordability. In truth, a one-hour flight should cost at least N700,000 for the airlines to survive,” she explained.
Mrs. Olajide added that Air Peace is not the highest-charging airline in Nigeria and questioned the criteria used to single out the airline for alleged exorbitant fares.
“This is not just unfair to Air Peace but also detrimental to Nigerians. It feels like a witch-hunt. If we truly want to support local airlines, we should address these challenges collaboratively, rather than allow foreign interests to undermine local operators,” she said.
She concluded by reiterating Air Peace’s commitment to its role as a responsible and patriotic airline while urging the public and regulators to support the survival and growth of Nigerian airlines.
