The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has cautioned inter-city road transport operators against arbitrary and unexplained fare increases during the ongoing yuletide travel period.
FCCPC, in a statement on Sunday by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, stated that the warning was necessary following consumer complaints about a surge in transportation fares across the country, despite the recent reduction in the price of petroleum products by the Dangote refinery.
The Commission while acknowledging that seasonal demand, operational pressures and other legitimate cost factors may affect transport pricing, however, said consumers are entitled to clear, accurate, and timely information on fares before travel. Declaring that any fare adjustment must be transparently communicated and applied fairly.
The FCCPC noted while fuel cost is only one of several inputs that may influence transport fares, increases that are not properly explained or disclosed raise valid consumer protection concerns.
Commenting on the development, according to the statement, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the FCCPC is closely monitoring market conduct throughout the festive season and has intensified engagement with transport unions, park managers and operators nationwide.
He explained that these engagements are preventive in nature and are aimed at encouraging responsible pricing practices, voluntary compliance and orderly market behaviour.
Mr Bello clarified that price increases are not, in themselves, unlawful. However, conduct that exploits consumers or takes unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand may attract regulatory attention under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
He further noted that practices such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercive conduct, or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers will be subject to strict regulatory scrutiny. Where cases of violation are established, he warned, culprits face stiff penalties.
FCCPC advised consumers to confirm fares before travel, retain evidence of payment, and report any suspected unfair practices through its complaint portal at complaints.fccpc.gov.ng or via the hotlines 08056003030 and 08056002020.
