FCCPC Warns Transport Companies Over Unfair Fare Hikes During Festive Season

• The FCCPC has warned transport operators against exploiting travellers through unfair fare hikes during the festive season, stressing that while price increases are not illegal.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has clarified that increases in transport fares during the yuletide season are not illegal on their own, but cautioned that exploitative or unfair practices by road transport operators will attract regulatory sanctions.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, amid rising complaints from Nigerians over arbitrary fare hikes by inter-city road transport operators across the country.

According to the FCCPC, while transport pricing may be influenced by legitimate factors, operators must act responsibly. The Commission acknowledged that “Seasonal demand, operational pressures, and other legitimate cost factors may affect transport pricing.” However, it stressed that transparency remains non-negotiable.

The statement noted 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 FCCPC also expressed concern that the reported fare hikes were occurring despite ongoing reductions in the pump price of premium motor spirit in some parts of the country. It stated 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 issue, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr Tunji Bello, said the FCCPC was closely monitoring market conduct throughout the festive period. He disclosed that the Commission had intensified engagements with transport unions, park managers, and operators nationwide as part of preventive measures.

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Bello explained that the engagements are aimed at promoting responsible pricing, voluntary compliance, and orderly market behaviour. He reiterated that “Price increases are not, in themselves, unlawful,” but warned that “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.”

He further warned that practices such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercive conduct, or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers would face strict regulatory scrutiny. According to him, “Where cases of violation are established, culprits face stiff penalties.”

The Commission advised commuters to always confirm fares before travelling, retain proof of payment, and promptly report suspected unfair practices through the FCCPC complaint portal or designated hotlines.