The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Nigeria’s apex consumer protection regulatory agency, has clarified that increases in road transport fares during the yuletide period are not illegal per se. However, the commission warned that exploitative or unfair practices by inter-city transport operators would attract regulatory sanctions. Okay News reports.
The clarification was issued on Sunday, 21 December 2025, by the Director of Corporate Affairs at the commission, Ondaje Ijagwu, following numerous complaints from passengers across Nigeria over arbitrary fare hikes by commercial transport operators.
FCCPC acknowledged that seasonal demand, operational pressures, and other legitimate cost factors may affect transport pricing. However, it emphasized that consumers are entitled to clear, accurate, and timely information on fares before travel. The commission stressed that any adjustment in fare rates must be communicated transparently and applied fairly.
The commission noted that some complaints have emerged despite recent reductions in the pump price of premium motor spirit, also known as petrol, in parts of the country. The FCCPC explained that while fuel cost is only one of several inputs influencing transport fares, increases that are not properly disclosed raise valid consumer protection concerns.
Commenting on the situation, Mr Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, said the commission was actively monitoring market conduct during the festive season. He added that the commission had intensified engagements with transport unions, park managers, and operators nationwide to promote responsible pricing, voluntary compliance, and orderly market behavior.
“Price increases are not, in themselves, unlawful,” Bello stated. “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 2018.”
He warned that practices such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercive behavior, or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers would be subjected to strict regulatory scrutiny. Bello further advised that where violations are established, offenders would face stiff penalties.
The commission urged consumers to confirm fares before travel, retain proof of payment, and report suspected unfair practices through the FCCPC complaint portal or designated hotlines.
