The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a crucial advisory to road transport operators and consumers ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities. The commission clarified that while fare increases during the yuletide season are not unlawful, any exploitative or unfair pricing practices will face strict regulatory sanctions.
Clarification Amidst Rising Consumer Complaints
In a statement released on Sunday, December 21, 2025, the commission's Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, addressed growing public concerns. The FCCPC acknowledged receiving numerous complaints about arbitrary and unexplained fare hikes by inter-city transport operators across Nigeria.
The commission recognized that legitimate factors like seasonal demand and operational costs can influence pricing. "Seasonal demand, operational pressures, and other legitimate cost factors may affect transport pricing," the statement noted. However, it firmly stressed that transparency is non-negotiable. Consumers must be provided with clear, accurate, and timely information on fares before embarking on their journeys.
FCCPC Intensifies Monitoring and Engagement
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello, announced that the FCCPC is actively monitoring market conduct throughout the festive period. He revealed that the commission has ramped up its engagement with key stakeholders nationwide.
The engagements target transport unions, park managers, and individual operators. According to Bello, this proactive approach is preventive, aiming to promote responsible pricing, encourage voluntary compliance, and ensure orderly market behaviour.
Bello reiterated the commission's stance: "Price increases are not, in themselves, unlawful. However, conduct that exploits consumers or takes unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand may attract regulatory attention under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018."
Defining and Penalizing Unfair Practices
The FCCPC outlined specific practices that would be subject to strict regulatory scrutiny. These include:
- Inadequate or misleading fare disclosure to passengers.
- Any form of coercive conduct by operators or their agents.
- Coordinated pricing arrangements among operators designed to disadvantage consumers.
Bello issued a stern warning, stating that established violations would lead to stiff penalties for the culprits. The commission's warning comes at a time when reports indicate reductions in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in some parts of the country. While noting that fuel cost is just one component of transport fares, the FCCPC argued that unexplained increases raise valid consumer protection concerns.
To empower the public, the FCCPC advised consumers to take the following steps:
- Always confirm the full fare before commencing travel.
- Retain proof of payment, such as tickets or receipts.
- Report any suspected unfair practices through the FCCPC's official complaint portal or its designated hotlines.
This advisory underscores the FCCPC's commitment to safeguarding consumer interests during a period of high travel volume. It serves as a clear reminder to the transport industry that transparency and accountability are central to lawful and ethical business operations.
