The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has cautioned inter-city road transport operators against arbitrary and unexplained fare increases during the yuletide season.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said it had received a surge in consumer complaints nationwide over sudden hikes in transport fares.
Ijagwu noted that the complaints persist despite recent reductions in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) in some parts of the country.
While acknowledging that seasonal demand, operational pressures, and other legitimate cost factors may affect pricing, he stressed that consumers are entitled to clear, accurate, and timely information on fares before travelling.
“Any fare adjustment must be transparently communicated and applied fairly.
Although fuel cost is only one of several inputs influencing transport fares, increases that are not properly explained raise valid consumer protection concerns,” the statement said.
Speaking further, FCCPC Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, said the commission is closely monitoring market conduct throughout the festive period.
Bello disclosed that the agency has intensified engagement with transport unions, park managers, and operators nationwide to promote responsible pricing, voluntary compliance, and orderly market behaviour.
He noted that while price increases are not unlawful, any conduct that exploits consumers or takes unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand could attract regulatory sanctions under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
According to him, practices such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercive conduct, or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers will face strict scrutiny.
“Where violations are established, offenders will face stiff penalties,” Bello warned.
He advised commuters to confirm fares before travel, retain proof of payment, and report suspected unfair practices via the FCCPC complaint official portal.
The warning comes days after the FCCPC, on December 12, launched a probe into ticket pricing templates used by some domestic airlines following public complaints over sharp fare increases on certain routes.