FCCPC Warns Transport Operators Against Arbitrary Fare Hikes Amid Festive Travel Surge

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a strong advisory to inter-city road transport operators, cautioning against arbitrary and unexplained increases in fares during the peak Christmas travel season. The warning follows a significant rise in consumer complaints across the country regarding sudden fare hikes.

In a statement released on Sunday by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC acknowledged that seasonal demand and legitimate operational costs may influence pricing but stressed that consumers have a right to clear, timely, and accurate fare information before traveling. “Any fare adjustment must be transparently communicated and applied fairly,” the statement emphasized.

The advisory comes despite recent reports of a reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in some regions. While noting that fuel cost is only one component of transport pricing, the Commission stated that unexplained increases raise valid consumer protection concerns.

Amid heightened insecurity on major highways and general economic pressure, reports indicate that travelers—particularly those heading to the South-East, are facing sharply elevated ticket prices as they secure transportation for the holidays.

The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, confirmed that the Commission is actively monitoring market conduct and has intensified engagements with transport unions, park managers, and operators to encourage responsible pricing and voluntary compliance.

Bello clarified that fare increases are not inherently illegal, but practices that exploit consumers or unfairly leverage seasonal demand could violate the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (2018). He warned that operators engaging in opaque pricing, coercion, or anti-competitive coordination would face strict regulatory action and penalties.