The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned inter-city road transport operators against arbitrary or unexplained fare hikes during the ongoing yuletide travel season.
The caution was issued in a statement signed by the Commission’s Corporate Affairs Director, Ondaje Ijagwu, following a surge in consumer complaints from various parts of the country.
While acknowledging that seasonal demand, operational pressures, and other legitimate factors can influence transport pricing, the FCCPC stressed that consumers are entitled to clear, accurate, and timely information about fares before travelling. Any fare adjustment, it said, must be transparently communicated and applied fairly.
“The FCCPC notes that these complaints are arising even as reports indicate reductions in the pump price of premium motor spirit in parts of the country. While fuel cost is just one of several inputs affecting transport fares, increases that are not properly explained or disclosed raise valid consumer protection concerns,” the statement said.
Commenting on the development, the FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, said the Commission is closely monitoring market conduct throughout the festive season and has intensified engagements with transport unions, park managers, and operators nationwide.
“These engagements are preventive, aimed at promoting responsible pricing practices, voluntary compliance, and orderly market behaviour,” Bello said.
He clarified that fare increases are not inherently unlawful. However, conduct that exploits consumers or takes unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand may attract regulatory action under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
Bello also warned that practices such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercion, or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers will face strict regulatory scrutiny, and confirmed that offenders may be subject to stiff penalties.
The Commission advised consumers to confirm fares before travel, retain evidence of payment, and report any suspected unfair practices via its complaint portal at http://complaints.fccpc.gov.ng
or through the hotlines 0805 600 3030 and 0805 600 2020.
