FCCPC Issues Stern Warning to Transporters Over ‘Exorbitant’ Fares, Vows to Penalise Operators for Consumer Exploitation Amid Holiday Rush

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a high-level warning to interstate transport operators across Nigeria, declaring that while the law allows for price adjustments in a deregulated market, the “systemic exploitation” of travelers during the festive season will be met with severe legal consequences.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello, issued the statement today, Sunday, December 21, 2025, as transportation hubs nationwide began recording a massive influx of citizens traveling for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Addressing the annual trend of astronomical fare hikes, Bello clarified the commission’s regulatory position. “We operate in a deregulated economy where market forces determine prices. However, the law is very clear: market forces do not give operators a license for unconscionable pricing or price gouging,” he stated.

The FCCPC boss emphasized that the commission is particularly on the lookout for anti-competitive behavior, where various transport unions or companies might collude to artificially inflate prices far beyond what is justified by operational costs. He noted that such “cartel-like” behavior is a direct violation of the FCCPC Act and undermines the economic rights of Nigerian consumers.

To ensure compliance, the Commission has activated its national surveillance network. Intelligence and enforcement teams have been dispatched to major terminals in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt. These teams are tasked with monitoring fare charts and engaging with both passengers and park managements to ensure that increases remain within “reasonable and justifiable” bounds.

“Our officers are already on the ground at major parks like Utako and Jabi in Abuja, as well as several terminals in Lagos,” Bello added. “We are collecting data, and any operator found to be taking unfair advantage of the holiday rush to exploit vulnerable citizens will face the full weight of the law, including heavy financial penalties and possible prosecution.”

The FCCPC urged the traveling public to remain vigilant and to document their transactions. Travelers are encouraged to report any cases of extreme exploitation through the Commission’s official social media handles or their dedicated consumer complaint website, promising swift intervention to protect the interests of the public during this high-demand period.