The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a warning to inter-city road transport operators “against arbitrary and unexplained fare increases” during the Christmas travel period.
The warning from the FCCPC is coming after an outpouring of complaints from consumers across different parts of the country.
The Commission said, the transport prices are heightening at a time when the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) is falling across the country; it added, practices such as “inadequate fare disclosure, coordinated pricing arrangements” among operators to the loss of consumers will be subject to “strict regulatory scrutiny”, and, in the cases of violations being confirmed, “culprits face stiff penalties”.
Via a Release, signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director, Corporate Affairs, FCCPC on Sunday 21 December, 2025, the Commission said: “The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has cautioned inter-city road transport operators against arbitrary and unexplained fare increases during the ongoing yuletide travel period, following a surge in consumer complaints across several parts of the country.
“The FCCPC also 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.
“Commenting on the development, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr 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.
“Mr Bello 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, he warned, culprits face stiff penalties.”
