The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has cautioned road transport operators against unfair or exploitative pricing during the yuletide period, even as it acknowledged that seasonal fare increases are not illegal.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, noted that complaints had been received from commuters over arbitrary fare hikes by inter-city transport operators across Nigeria.
“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.
Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of FCCPC, Tunji Bello, emphasized that while price increases are not unlawful, any conduct that exploits consumers or takes unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand will 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 would be strictly scrutinized.
“Where cases of violation are established, culprits face stiff penalties,” Bello added.
The commission advised commuters to confirm fares before travel, retain proof of payment, and report suspected unfair practices through its complaint portal or designated hotlines.
As fuel prices reduce in parts of the country, the FCCPC stressed that any fare increases not properly explained or disclosed raise valid consumer protection concerns, urging operators to adopt responsible and transparent pricing during the festive season.
