The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned road transport operators across the country against arbitrary and unexplained fare increases during the ongoing yuletide travel period, following a surge in consumer complaints.
In a statement on Sunday, signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs, FCCPC, the Commission acknowledged that seasonal demand, operational pressures and other legitimate cost factors could influence transport pricing.
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However, it stressed that consumers are entitled to clear, accurate and timely information on fares before travel, noting that any fare adjustment must be transparently communicated and fairly applied.
The FCCPC observed that the complaints are emerging at a time when there are reports of reductions in the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) in parts of the country. While fuel cost is only one of several inputs affecting transport fares, the Commission said increases that are not properly explained or disclosed raise serious consumer protection concerns.
Commenting on the development, Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, said the Commission is closely monitoring market conduct throughout the festive season and has intensified engagements with transport unions, park managers and operators nationwide.
According to him, the engagements are preventive in nature and aimed at promoting responsible pricing practices, voluntary compliance and orderly market behaviour.
Bello clarified that price increases are not unlawful in themselves, but warned that conduct which exploits consumers or takes unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand could attract regulatory attention under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
He further cautioned that practices such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercive conduct or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers would be subjected to strict regulatory scrutiny. Where violations are established, he said offenders would face stiff penalties.
The Commission advised consumers to confirm fares before travel, retain evidence of payment and promptly report any suspected unfair practices through the FCCPC’s complaint portal.
