As Nigerians travel across the country to celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has stepped in with a timely reminder to road transport operators: fare increases must be fair, transparent, and clearly explained.
The Commission said it has received a wave of complaints from commuters in different parts of the country over sudden and unexplained hikes in inter-city transport fares during the festive rush. While acknowledging that the yuletide season often comes with higher passenger demand and operational pressures, the FCCPC insists that consumers still have the right to know exactly what they are paying for before boarding a vehicle.
According to the Commission, any adjustment in transport fares must be openly communicated and applied fairly, not sprung on passengers at the last minute.
This concern, it noted, is heightened by reports of reduced pump prices of petrol in some areas, making sharp fare increases difficult to justify without proper explanation.
Speaking on the issue, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, in a statement issued by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the Commission is keeping a close watch on transport pricing practices throughout the festive period.
He disclosed that the FCCPC has intensified engagements with transport unions, park managers, and operators nationwide to promote responsible conduct.
“These engagements are largely preventive,” Mr. Bello explained, “and are aimed at encouraging voluntary compliance, responsible pricing, and orderly market behaviour, especially during this busy travel season.”
He clarified that raising prices is not automatically illegal. However, practices that take unfair advantage of increased seasonal demand or exploit consumers could trigger regulatory action under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
Mr. Bello, further, warned that operators who fail to properly disclose fares, engage in coercive behaviour, or collude to fix prices at the expense of passengers will face strict scrutiny. Where violations are proven, he said, stiff penalties will apply.
The FCCPC has also advised travellers to take simple precautions by confirming fares before commencing their journeys, keeping proof of payment, and reporting any suspicious or unfair practices. Complaints can be lodged through the Commission’s portal at complaints.fccpc.gov.ng or via its dedicated hotlines: 0805 600 3030 and 0805 600 2020.
With the festive season in full swing, the Commission says its goal is to ensure that Nigerians can travel to celebrate with loved ones without being subjected to unfair pricing or sharp practices.
