THE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has constituted a panel of experienced lawyers and experts in international business and aviation, to summon the British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways (VAA) with a view to considering the legality of its report 'and alleged deceptive, unfair and anti-competitive practices especially with respect to the Passenger Fuel Surcharge (PFS) by both airlines.'British Airways had earlier countered NCAA over the allegation of price fixing, rejecting the claims and served the authority a notice to defend itself in court.The constituted panel, known as 'Administrative Appeal Panel,' according to NCAA Director-General, Harold Demuren, is chaired by Justice G.A Oguntade (rtd) of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.'This panel will deliberate and consider the legality and fairness of NCAA's investigation, report and findings with respect to the investigation into BA and VAA's collusion, deceptive, unfair and anti-competitive practices especially with respect to the Passenger Fuel Surcharge,' he said.He added that 'the NCAA has constituted an Administrative Appeal Panel chaired by Retired Justice G.A Oguntade of the Supreme Court of Nigeria with respect to BA and VAA's challenge of the NCAA's finding and imposition of penalties including payment of $235 million total in fines.'The panel is made of very distinguished, respected and accomplished professionals whose reputation and demonstrated contribution in their fields are not only outstanding but also apparent.This underscores the fairness of the NCAA process and our desire that the best possible and most impartial evaluation of this extremely important issue occurs and to deepen and sustain the confidence the entire world has reposed in the Nigerian aviation sector over the past years as we have developed a world class industry.'It is also a re-assurance to Nigerians that the NCAA, Federal Ministry of Aviation and the Federal Government of Nigeria remain totally focused on protecting their rights, advancing their causes and ensuring that they are not subjected to unscrupulous practices that provide benefit only to specific interests leaving both the consumers and the industry at large violated.'Other members are Folarin Gbadebo-Smith, a respected and accomplished administrator, graduate of public policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and international businessman, who is conversant with business processes and international issues of this nature, Bala Ibn NaAllah, the Sarkin Shanun Zuru of Zuru, Kebbi State, who is an accomplished lawyer, skilled pilot and former member of the House of Representatives, who served on the Aviation Committee and KGB Oguakwa, a lawyer and former member of the House of Representatives, who served as chairman, House Committee on Aviation and also the House Committee on Tourism and Culture. Barrister Callistus E. Uwakwe, a senior lawyer and author of Introduction to Civil Aviation Law in Nigeria will serve as secretary on the panel.''The NCAA is determined to vigorously defend the rights of Nigerian consumers and ensure an industry that encourages and rewards fair, open and acceptable business practices and ethics while discouraging and penalising any conduct that violates the law, disregards Nigerians and Nigeria, discriminates against and exploits or takes undue advantage of our people,' Demuren added.
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