In lieu of the proposed shutdown of service by the domestic airline operators, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has appealed for peace while asking them to consider the effect of the shutdown on passengers.
The Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Mr Babatunde Irukera, made the appeal in an interview in Abuja on Saturday.
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Mr Babatunde Irukera said the commission was engaging both operators and the leadership of major fuel marketers in a discussion to understand the global supply challenges and possible steps to ameliorate the same. However, he frowned at the rising consumer feedback that airlines had continued to sell tickets beyond May 9, the date for the proposed service shutdown.
”It is misleading and deceptive under Section 123 of the FCCPA to represent that a service will be delivered on a certain date when the provider knows the same is false or improbable.
”If a service provider is unable to provide a service on account of its own decision, not a countervailing circumstance, the obligation for a refund is sacrosanct.
”The commission is optimistic that airline operators will not deliberately sell tickets for flights they do not intend to operate and is, as such, hopeful that a solution short of a shutdown will emerge accordingly.
”The commission strongly advocates engagement among all stakeholders across the value chain to mitigate the current constraints and develop an acceptable interim arrangement.
”This is to address problems and costs associated with global supply constraints on account of a war, sanctions associated with the war, and a fragile ongoing post pandemic recovery in aviation,” he said.
Mr Babatunde Irukera also reiterated that the commission would continue in its efforts to monitor the sensitive and evolving situation and remained committed to supporting engagements to provide solutions and stability.