The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned inter-city road transport operators against arbitrary and unexplained fare hikes during the yuletide season.
In a statement on Sunday, Ondaje Ijagwu, director of corporate affairs, said the commission has received a surge in consumer complaints from different parts of the country over increases in transport fares.
This, Ijagwu said, is despite reductions in the pump price of premium motor spirit, also known as petrol, in some parts of the country.
He acknowledged that seasonal demand, operational pressures, and other legitimate cost factors could affect pricing.
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“However, consumers are entitled to clear, accurate, and timely information on fares before travel. Any fare adjustment must therefore be transparently communicated and applied fairly,” the statement reads.
“While fuel cost is only one of several inputs that may influence transport fares, increases that are not properly explained or disclosed raise valid consumer protection concerns.”
Also speaking, Tunji Bello, the executive vice-chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the FCCPC, said the agency is closely monitoring market conduct throughout the festive period.
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Bello said the commission has intensified engagement with transport unions, park managers and operators nationwide to encourage responsible pricing, voluntary compliance, and orderly market behaviour.
He said price increases are not unlawful in themselves, but warned that conduct which exploits consumers or takes unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand could attract regulatory action under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
The FCCPC boss added that practices such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercive conduct, or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers would be subject to strict scrutiny.
“Where cases of violation are established, culprits face stiff penalties,” Bello was quoted as saying.
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“Consumers are advised to confirm fares before travel, retain evidence of payment, and report any suspected unfair practices to the commission through its complaint portal at complaints.fccpc.gov.ng or via the hotlines 0805 600 3030 and 0805 600 2020.”
On December 12, the FCCPC launched a probe into ticket pricing templates used by some domestic airlines, following rising public complaints about sharp increases on certain routes.
