Commission Says Exploitative Pricing Will Attract Sanctions as Consumer Complaints Rise Nationwide
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has cautioned inter-city road transport operators against indiscriminate increases in fares during the ongoing yuletide travel season.
The warning follows a surge in consumer complaints from different parts of the country over sudden and unexplained fare hikes by transport operators.
The alert was issued in a statement released on Sunday by the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, in which the Commission stressed that while seasonal factors may affect pricing, consumers remain entitled to fairness and transparency.
According to the FCCPC, increased travel demand, higher operating costs, and festive pressures may influence transport fares, but operators must clearly disclose prices to passengers and ensure that any adjustments are communicated promptly and applied fairly.
The Commission expressed concern that many of the complaints were recorded despite reports of declining pump prices for premium motor spirit in parts of the country. While fuel cost is only one of several variables affecting transport fares, the FCCPC noted that unexplained increases raise serious consumer protection issues.
Speaking on the development, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, said the Commission is closely monitoring pricing practices throughout the festive period.
He disclosed that the FCCPC has stepped up engagement with transport unions, park managers, and operators nationwide to promote responsible pricing, voluntary compliance, and orderly conduct within the market.
Bello clarified that fare increases are not illegal on their own. However, practices that exploit passengers or unfairly take advantage of heightened seasonal demand could trigger regulatory action under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
He warned that behaviours such as failure to disclose fares properly, coercive pricing, or coordinated price-setting arrangements that disadvantage consumers would attract strict penalties.
The Commission advised travellers to confirm fares before embarking on trips, keep proof of payment, and report any suspected unfair practices. Complaints can be lodged through the FCCPC’s online portal at complaints.fccpc.gov.ng or via the hotlines 0805 600 3030 and 0805 600 2020.
The FCCPC’s warning comes amid the usual spike in transport fares associated with the yuletide season. A market survey conducted earlier in December had projected fare increases of between 20 and 30 per cent, driven largely by seasonal demand and fuel costs.
However, with petrol prices recently dropping to around ₦740 per litre from the ₦900 range observed during the survey period, the Commission noted that such steep increases may no longer be justified.
Meanwhile, the FCCPC also announced that it has launched an investigation into recent airfare increases on select domestic routes in the South-South and South-East regions.
The probe follows public complaints over sharp and potentially coordinated fare hikes, with the Commission examining whether operators on those routes engaged in exploitative or anti-competitive practices as festive travel peaks.
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