Consumers Must Be Informed: FCCPC Monitors Holiday Transport Pricing.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has clarified that increases in transport fares during the yuletide season are not inherently unlawful. According to the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, seasonal demand, operational pressures, and other legitimate cost factors may influence pricing for road transport services.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ijagwu emphasized that while fare increases are permitted, exploitative or unfair practices by operators could attract regulatory sanctions. He stressed that consumers have the right to receive clear, accurate, and timely information on fares prior to travel, and any adjustments must be communicated transparently and applied fairly.

The Commission noted that recent complaints about fare hikes coincide with reports of reductions in the pump price of premium motor spirit in parts of the country. While fuel costs are only one factor affecting transport fares, unexplained or undisclosed increases remain a valid consumer protection concern.

Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, stated that the Commission is closely monitoring market conduct during the festive season. Engaging with transport unions, park managers, and operators nationwide, the FCCPC aims to promote responsible pricing, voluntary compliance, and orderly market behavior.

Bello explained that price increases themselves are not unlawful, but 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. Practices such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercive actions, or coordinated pricing arrangements that harm consumers will face strict regulatory scrutiny, and violators may incur severe penalties.