FCCPC warns transport operators against unjustified fare hikes during holiday season

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has cautioned interstate and inter-city transport operators against implementing sudden or unexplained fare increases during the busy Christmas travel period.

This warning comes in response to a surge in passenger complaints across Nigeria regarding sharp, unannounced rises in ticket prices.

The Commission, through a statement from its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, confirmed receiving numerous reports of such practices.

While recognizing that holiday demand and operational costs can rise, the FCCPC insisted these factors do not excuse operators from treating consumers fairly. It underscored passengers’ rights to clear, advance notice of fares and an understanding of any price adjustments.

The Commission highlighted that these complaints are occurring alongside reports of decreased fuel prices in some regions.

Although fuel is just one cost element, the FCCPC stated that unexplained hikes under these conditions raise serious concerns about potential market abuse and consumer exploitation.

The FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello, announced increased market surveillance during the festivities.

He revealed that the Commission is actively dialoguing with transport unions, park managers, and vehicle owners nationwide to promote adherence to fair pricing.

Bello described these efforts as primarily preventive, aiming to ensure transparency and responsible pricing.

He clarified that fare increases are not inherently illegal but warned that tactics designed to exploit seasonal demand may breach the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

Practices such as not disclosing fares upfront, forcing passengers to pay inflated rates, or colluding to fix prices will face regulatory action, with sanctions applied where violations are proven.

The FCCPC also urged travelers to remain alert: confirm fares before boarding, retain payment receipts, and immediately report any suspected unfair treatment. Consumers can submit complaints via the FCCPC’s online portal or dedicated hotlines to protect their rights during the holiday travel rush.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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