The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has identified patterns of potential price manipulation by some domestic airlines during the December 2025 festive season, raising fresh concerns about consumer exploitation and competition in Nigeria’s aviation sector, according to an interim report released on Thursday.
The review, conducted by the FCCPC’s Department of Surveillance and Investigations, followed an industry-wide probe announced in January. Preliminary data analysis showed that ticket fares during the festive peak were significantly higher than post-peak levels in January 2026, despite stable aviation fuel prices, taxes, and foreign exchange rates.
“The differences observed in fares appear to reflect airlines’ discretionary pricing decisions rather than variations in regulatory fees or external costs,” the report stated. Route-level analysis suggested that fare increases coincided with periods of reduced seat availability during predictable seasonal demand peaks, hinting at deliberate supply constraints. On high-density routes such as Abuja–Port Harcourt, a single ticket cost reportedly rose by as much as N405,000.
FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman Tunji Bello said the interim findings aim to clarify pricing behaviour during peak periods while protecting consumers and promoting competition. “This is an interim report. Further structural and route-level analysis will guide any regulatory guidance, engagement, or enforcement,” Bello added.
The report flagged potential violations under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, including anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominance, price-fixing, and unfair contract terms. Relevant sections include prohibitions against restraint of competition, abuse of a dominant position, conspiracy, and unjust dealings with consumers.
Bello also confirmed the commission’s plan to extend the investigation to international carriers, amid concerns that Nigerians are paying higher fares than passengers on similar routes in neighbouring countries.
The Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) dismissed the report, arguing that FCCPC lacks the technical expertise to assess airline pricing. AON spokesperson Prof. Obiora Okonkwo said, “They don’t understand airline operations and are playing to the gallery. Their actions could harm domestic carriers.”
Airfare pricing during peak periods has long been a concern for Nigerian travelers, with industry operators citing fleet shortages, rising fuel costs, and operational constraints as drivers of high fares, while consumer groups argue that airlines exploit predictable demand spikes. The FCCPC’s ongoing probe could reshape transparency and competition in the sector if regulatory actions are taken.
