FCCPC Cautions Transporters Over Arbitrary Fare Hikes During Yuletide

Inter-city road transport operators have been cautioned by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) against imposing arbitrary and unjustified fare increases during the current yuletide travel season.

The FCCPC issued the warning on Sunday in a statemen by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, following an increase in consumer complaints across Nigeria.

Ijagwu explained that the FCCPC recognises that seasonal demand, operational pressures and other legitimate cost factors may affect transport pricing.

‘However, consumers are entitled to clear, accurate, and timely information on fares before travel. Any fare adjustment must therefore be transparently communicated and applied fairly’, the statement read in part.

The FCCPC also noted that these complaints are arising at a time when there are reports of reductions in the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as fuel across the nation.

Speaking further, Ijagwu said 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.

Commenting on the development, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Tunji Bello, said the FCCPC is closely monitoring market conduct throughout the festive season.

To this end, Bello added that the commission has intensified engagement with transport unions, park managers and operators nationwide.

According to him, these engagements are preventive in nature and are aimed at encouraging responsible pricing practices, voluntary compliance and orderly market behaviour.

Bello further clarified that price increases are not, in themselves, unlawful, 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 (FCCPA) 2018.

He further noted that practices such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercive conduct, or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers will be subject to strict regulatory scrutiny.

Where cases of violation are established, the FCCPC boss warned that culprits will face stiff penalties from the commission.

As such, consumers have been advised to confirm fares before travel, retain evidence of payment, and report any suspected unfair practices to the FCCPC through its complaint portal at complaints.fccpc.gov.ng or via the hotlines 0805 600 3030 and 0805 600 2020.