Rita Odafe
Allen Onyema
Clarification from FCCPC Regarding Air Peace
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has confirmed that there is no investigation involving Air Peace or its chairman, Allen Onyema.
The FCCPC stated that they invited the airline for a discussion aimed at understanding their pricing strategies in relation to consumer feedback.
Boladale Adeyinka, the Director of Surveillance and Investigation, spoke about this during a meeting in Abuja with Onyema and his team.
She expressed gratitude for Onyema’s presence, saying, “We appreciate you coming in person. This meeting has helped us understand your operations better. I want to emphasize that this is not an investigation but an enquiry to gather insights based on consumer concerns.”
Adeyinka highlighted the Commission’s role in supporting businesses and consumers alike, noting that ensuring business sustainability is fundamental to their purpose.
“We are here to assess the situation and find ways to assist not just Air Peace customers but all passengers and consumers of airline services,” she noted.
She also praised Onyema for his commitment to the nation and philanthropic endeavors, encouraging him to remain steadfast in his humanitarian efforts.
Onyema’s Insights on Aviation Pricing
During the meeting, Onyema discussed the global nature of aviation fares, mentioning that current pricing in Nigeria does not align with the actual costs of operating flights, which leads to many airlines failing.
He emphasized that Nigerians need to prioritize safety and sustainability in aviation, which hinges on appropriate fare pricing that reflects international standards, rather than risking airline failures due to unsustainable pricing. “Flight safety is our utmost priority at Air Peace,” he stated.
Onyema pointed out that global fares range from $250 to $300 per hour, sometimes reaching up to $540, which represents fair pricing—a model Air Peace struggles to utilize due to the economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
He concluded by reflecting on the challenging nature of the aviation industry and his passion for it, emphasizing that if Air Peace accounted for all operational costs, flying would be unaffordable for many Nigerians.
