FCCPC Concludes Probe into Six Airlines Over Yuletide Fare Hike, Set to Order Refunds

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has concluded its investigation into the arbitrary increase in airfares during the 2025 yuletide season and is preparing to mandate refunds for affected passengers.

Speaking during a presidential media briefing on Thursday in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, disclosed that approximately five to six domestic airlines are implicated in what the Commission has identified as coordinated price-fixing.

According to Mr. Bello, the probe was initiated following widespread complaints from travellers who witnessed a sharp spike in ticket prices over the festive period. He noted that fares, which typically range between N120,000 and N150,000, skyrocketed to between N400,000 and N600,000 without any commensurate economic justification.

“Our investigation indicated a form of price-fixing arrangement. These airlines came together to fix prices above the reach of many Nigerians,” Mr. Bello stated. “The final report will be issued soon, and they will be required to refund the excess charges imposed on passengers.”

Beyond the aviation sector, the FCCPC said it is closely monitoring global economic trends, particularly developments in the Middle East, to mitigate potential spillover effects on domestic commodity prices. Mr. Bello assured that the Commission would prevent businesses from exploiting international crises to impose unjustified price hikes on Nigerian consumers.

“We have activated a nationwide monitoring process to track pricing patterns across critical sectors. Our monitors are already in the field to ensure that no one takes undue advantage of the situation,” he added.

The FCCPC also disclosed that it is collaborating with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to maintain discipline in the petroleum sector and prevent anti-competitive practices.

In a related development, Mr. Bello revealed that Nigerian consumers have recovered over N10 billion through formal complaints lodged with the Commission between March and August 2025. More than 9,000 complaints were resolved during the period, covering sectors such as electricity, telecommunications, banking, fintech, and informal market transactions.

He urged Nigerians to utilize the Commission’s digital platform to report grievances rather than resorting to informal grumbling.

“Sometimes Nigerians grumble more than they complain. If you sit in your living room and say ‘God punish NEPA,’ you have not actually complained. Our system allows consumers to submit complaints and monitor progress in real-time,” he said.

Mr. Bello emphasized that the FCCPC remains committed to enforcing the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, noting that over 55 cases have been prosecuted, with several others pending before the courts and the competition tribunal.