The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has clarified that increases in transport fares during the holiday season are not inherently unlawful, but warned that exploitative or unfair practices by road transport operators will attract regulatory sanctions. The commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, made this clarification in a statement issued on Sunday, amidst complaints of arbitrary fare hikes by inter-city road transport operators across the country.

According to the commission, seasonal demand, operational pressures, and other legitimate cost factors may influence transport pricing. However, consumers are entitled to clear, accurate, and timely information on fares before travel, and any fare adjustment must be transparently communicated and applied fairly. The commission noted 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.

Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello, stated that the commission is closely monitoring market conduct throughout the festive season and has intensified engagement with transport unions, park managers, and operators nationwide. The engagements are preventive and aimed at promoting responsible pricing, voluntary compliance, and orderly market behavior. Bello emphasized that price increases are not, in themselves, 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 2018.

Practices such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercive conduct, or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers will be subjected to strict regulatory scrutiny. The commission advised consumers to confirm fares before travel, retain proof of payment, and report suspected unfair practices through its complaint portal or designated hotlines. In cases of established violations, culprits face stiff penalties.

The commission’s warning comes as the holiday season is expected to see an increase in travel, and consumers are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious practices. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s stance aims to protect consumers from unfair practices while allowing transport operators to adjust their prices in response to changing market conditions. As the commission continues to monitor the situation, consumers can expect a more transparent and fair pricing system in the transport sector.