By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has hailed a Federal High Court judgment affirming the authority of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), describing it as a landmark victory for consumers and a turning point in addressing alleged abuses in the aviation sector.

HURIWA National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement on Monday, said the ruling “is not just a routine legal victory, but a historic and long-overdue liberation for Nigerian consumers who have suffered years of unchecked exploitation in the aviation sector.”

“The decision has finally shattered the dangerous culture of corporate impunity that allowed airlines to operate above the law, often at the expense of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

The group noted that the judgment upheld the powers of the FCCPC to investigate and act on consumer complaints within the aviation sector, including disputes involving Air Peace Limited.

According to HURIWA, “this landmark ruling represents a decisive victory for millions of Nigerian consumers who have, for years, endured persistent abuse, neglect, and exploitation at the hands of domestic airline operators.”

The association added that by upholding the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, “the court has reaffirmed the supremacy of consumer rights, regulatory accountability, and the rule of law over corporate impunity.”

HURIWA described the judgment as a critical turning point for the aviation industry, citing recurring complaints by passengers ranging from arbitrary flight cancellations to delayed refunds and poor customer service.

“For far too long, Nigerian passengers have been subjected to a troubling pattern of rights violations, including exploitative pricing, arbitrary cancellations, chronic refund delays, and mishandling of luggage,” Onwubiko said.

He further alleged the existence of racketeering practices within the system, stating that “credible reports indicate that individuals linked to airline operations engage in profiteering schemes, including reselling tickets and demanding illegal payments from desperate passengers.”

The group also criticised regulatory institutions, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Federal Ministry of Aviation, for failing to effectively protect consumers.

“These bodies, which ought to serve as first-line protectors of passenger rights, have largely failed in their responsibilities, creating an environment where violations persist without consequence,” Onwubiko said.

HURIWA, however, cautioned that the significance of the court ruling would depend on effective enforcement.

“While we celebrate this judicial victory, its true significance lies in robust and uncompromising enforcement. Without concrete action, even the most progressive rulings risk being reduced to mere symbolism,” he stated.

The association called on the FCCPC to fully exercise its powers by investigating and sanctioning erring airlines, imposing stiff penalties, and ensuring prompt compensation for affected passengers.

It also urged the commission to “establish fast-track consumer redress mechanisms, deploy airport-based enforcement units, mandate transparent refund systems, and publish periodic compliance reports.”

HURIWA further called on the National Assembly to strengthen oversight and introduce tougher sanctions for consumer rights violations in critical sectors.

“This judgment has opened a new chapter in the protection of Nigerian consumers. It must now be followed by decisive regulatory action that sends a clear message that the era of exploitation and impunity is over,” Onwubiko added.

“Nigerians deserve a functional aviation system anchored on fairness, transparency, and respect for human dignity.”