Yuletide Rip-Off Alert: FCCPC Warns Transporters Against Arbitrary Fare Hikes
By Paul Ebi
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a stern warning to inter-city road transport operators across Nigeria to halt arbitrary fare increases during the yuletide season, following a surge in complaints from travellers nationwide.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC said it was responding to widespread reports of unexplained and sudden fare hikes on major routes as festive travel peaks.
While acknowledging that increased demand and operational pressures often accompany the holiday season, the Commission stressed that such factors do not justify exploitative or opaque pricing practices.
“The Commission recognises that seasonal demand, operational pressures and other legitimate cost factors may affect transport pricing. 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 read.
.The FCCPC further noted that the complaints are emerging amid reports of reductions in the pump price of premium motor spirit in parts of the country, raising concerns over fare increases that lack proper explanation.
“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,” the Commission added.
The agency disclosed that its Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tunji Bello, is personally leading intensified monitoring of transport pricing nationwide throughout the festive period. According to the FCCPC, the ongoing engagements with transport unions, park managers and operators are largely preventive, aimed at encouraging responsible pricing, orderly market conduct and voluntary compliance.
Mr Bello warned that although fare increases are not illegal, any practice designed to exploit travellers or take undue advantage of peak-season demand could attract sanctions under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
He specifically cautioned against poor fare disclosure, coercive tactics and coordinated pricing among operators, noting that such actions would face strict regulatory scrutiny.
The FCCPC urged travellers to remain vigilant by confirming fares before departure, keeping proof of payment and promptly reporting any abuses through the Commission’s official complaint channels as Nigerians travel to celebrate the yuletide.
