21.12.2025
Road Transporters have been warned not to arbitrarily hike their fares during the Christmas and New Year holiday rush.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) passed this word of caution to the inter-city road transport operators Sunday as the holiday rush is expected to begin on this week.
The FCCPC said in a statement signed by its Corporate Affairs Director, Ondaje Ijagwu, that warning became necessary following consumer complaints from several parts of the country.
“The FCCPC notes that these complaints are arising at a time when there are reports of reductions in the pump price of premium motor spirit across parts of the country.
“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,” the statement said.
Also speaking FCCPC chief executive 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 the engagements are preventive in nature and aimed at promoting responsible pricing practices, voluntary compliance, and orderly market behaviour.
Bello clarified that price increases are not unlawful in themselves. However, conduct that exploits consumers or takes unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand may attract regulatory action under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
He further warned that practices such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercive conduct, or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers would be subjected to strict regulatory scrutiny. Where violations are established, offenders would face stiff penalties.
The Commission advised consumers to confirm fares before travel, retain evidence of payment, and report any suspected unfair practices through its complaint portal at http://complaints.fccpc.gov.ng
or via the hotlines 0805 600 3030 and 0805 600 2020.