The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned inter-city road transport operators against unjustified fare hikes during the ongoing yuletide travel season.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the FCCPC‘s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the warning follows a surge in consumer complaints across several parts of the country.
The Commission affirmed that seasonal demand, operational pressures, and other legitimate cost factors may affect transport pricing. However, it explained that 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 Commission said, stressing that the complaints are arising at a time when there are reports of reductions in the pump price of petrol across parts of the country.
It added that 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.
Commenting on the development, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, stated that the Commission is closely monitoring market conduct throughout the festive season and has intensified engagement with transport unions, park managers, and operators nationwide.
Bello noted that the engagements are preventive in nature and are aimed at encouraging responsible pricing practices, voluntary compliance, and orderly market behaviour.
He clarified that price increases are not, in themselves, unlawful. However, he cautioned that conduct which exploits consumers or takes unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand may attract regulatory attention under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
The FCCPC boss emphasised that practices such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercive conduct, or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers will be subject to strict regulatory scrutiny.
He further warned that where violations are established, culprits will face stiff penalties.
He advised consumers 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 08056003030 and 08056002020.
