Kehinde Fajobi
Air Peace, Nigeria’s flag carrier, has criticised the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for launching an inquiry into its pricing and operational practices, calling the move unnecessary.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Friday, the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Toyin Olajide, defended Air Peace’s pricing, arguing that its fares are far from exploitative and reflect the high cost of operations.
She disclosed that the airline had reported the matter to the presidency.
Olajide stated: “We are fully aware of the enquiry by the FCCPC about exploitative fares. A lot of people might not know the implications of just that alone.
“You are talking about investigating the biggest airline in your country that has bent backwards 360 degrees for this country, that is representing this country out there, that is putting this country on the global map, making Nigeria proud.”
She questioned the criteria used to label Air Peace’s fares as exploitative.
“Before you say that an airline is exploiting someone, how much information do you have about airline operation? What exactly defines the ticket cost? How do you even come about the cost of a ticket? It is the operating cost of that flight.”
Olajide highlighted that aviation fuel alone accounts for 60 to 65 per cent of operating costs, stating:
“Today in Nigeria, we are buying one litre of fuel at almost ₦1,400. If I have to operate a one-hour flight from here to Abuja, Owerri, or Port Harcourt, I will need about 4,000 litres of fuel. That will cost almost ₦7 million.”
She added that aviation is a high-capital industry with strict safety regulations.
“This is a very sensitive sector. This is a sector that I tell people, you carry human blood on your shoulders. You cannot afford to take anything for granted,” Olajide emphasised.
The FCCPC’s inquiry was reportedly prompted by widespread consumer complaints about poor service delivery, alleged exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations.
The commission, after meeting with Air Peace in Abuja, confirmed the ongoing investigation and denied reports suggesting otherwise.
Olajide criticised the accusations, saying, “It is really unfair that Air Peace is being accused of exploitative fares. What parameters were being used to arrive at this word, exploitative?”
She reiterated the airline’s commitment to providing safe and efficient services while grappling with the challenges of high operational costs in Nigeria.