Commission launches deeper inquiry after public complaints of coordinated fare increases exceeding 150%…..
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has broadened its investigation into what it describes as suspicious and potentially exploitative increases in domestic airfare, particularly on routes serving the South-East and South-South as the festive travel rush begins.
In a statement on Friday, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the agency expanded the probe after receiving fresh public complaints alleging coordinated price-fixing among some airlines.
The move comes days after the National Assembly summoned the Minister of Aviation to address a persistent surge in ticket prices and growing accusations of collusive behaviour within the industry.
The Senate’s intervention followed a motion by Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North), who warned that the escalating fares could undermine national mobility and derail holiday travel plans.
“For the past three months, Nigerians have been raising concerns over the outrageous airfares being charged by airlines,” Buhari said during plenary. He noted that one-way tickets on some domestic routes especially those in the South-East and South-South, have jumped by as much as 150 per cent, with prices in some cases exceeding N300,000.
Current ticket prices show that a one-way flight between Abuja and Lagos now ranges between N400,000 and N650,000.
Ijagwu explained that the commission is now closely examining the pricing models and ticketing patterns of airlines on the affected routes to determine whether the increases violate the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018.
“Following public inquiries, the FCCPC has expanded the scope of its ongoing investigation into pricing templates used by certain airlines on specific domestic routes, with a view to establishing possible violations of the law,” the statement read.
He added that concerns have intensified in recent days over what appears to be coordinated or exploitative pricing behaviour as the holiday travel season begins.
The expanded probe comes months after major airline Air Peace filed a suit seeking to stop the FCCPC from reviewing its pricing structure. The commission previously launched an inquiry after receiving multiple complaints about arbitrary fare increases across several routes.
Ijagwu stressed that the current investigation continues “without prejudice” to ongoing litigation, adding that the commission is legally mandated to act in the public interest.
FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Tunji Bello, emphasised that while the commission does not regulate prices, it is empowered to prevent consumer exploitation.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we are not a price control board,” Bello said. “But the FCCPA 2018 authorises us to check the exploitation of consumers. When petitions are filed or when we uncover credible evidence, we will not stand by and allow Nigerian consumers to be taken advantage of.”
He noted that the commission will take firm action wherever evidence shows that consumer welfare or market competition is being compromised.
Under Section 17(b) of the FCCPA, the commission is tasked with monitoring economic activities and identifying anti-competitive or restrictive practices, while Section 17(e) empowers it to conduct detailed investigations when necessary.
Although the FCCPC does not set airline prices, the law requires it to ensure fair pricing and protect consumers from excessive, misleading or collusive pricing conduct.
In light of the latest airfare spikes, the commission says it is examining pricing trends, the basis for the increases, and any behaviour that may restrict competition. It pledged to apply enforcement measures where violations are confirmed.
“The commission will provide further updates on the ongoing aviation investigation in due course,” Ijagwu said.
This is not the first time domestic airlines have come under scrutiny for pricing practices. In 2022, the FCCPC and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority confronted several carriers over a uniform fare increase that raised concerns about cartel-like coordination.
Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to battle forex shortages, surging jet fuel prices, high maintenance costs and limited airline competition—factors frequently cited as reasons for rising fares. However, industry watchers say these challenges do not justify abrupt, synchronised price hikes across multiple operators.
About the Author
