The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned road transport operators in Nigeria against an arbitrary hike in fares during the Christmas season.
The agency said its warning followed several complaints by travellers across the country.
In a statement released on Sunday, December 21, signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director, Corporate Affairs, FCCPC, it said that while some factors, including seasonal surges in travel demand and operational pressures, among others, may affect transport pricing, it must be applied fairly, and consumers are entitled to accurate information on fare adjustments before travel.
The Commission expressed surprise that such complaints are arising even as the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, dropped recently.
“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,” the FCCPC stated. “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.”
Reacting to the development, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr Tunji Bello, said the FCCPC would monitor market activities throughout the festive season.
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According to the statement, Mr Bello has also increased engagement with transport unions, park managers and operators nationwide with the aim of encouraging responsible pricing practices, voluntary compliance and orderly market behaviour.
Mr Bello, who pointed out that transport fare increases are not, in themselves, unlawful, however, warned that the FCCPC would not hesitate to sanction any attempt to exploit consumers or take unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand in line with provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
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He also stated that practices such as inadequate fare information, coercive behaviour, or coordinated pricing agreements among operators to the detriment of consumers will face harsh regulatory scrutiny. He cautioned that if cases of breach are confirmed, the perpetrators will face harsh punishment.
The Commission therefore advised consumers to confirm fares before travel, retain evidence of payment, and report any suspected unfair practices to the Commission through its complaint portal at http://complaints.fccpc.gov.ng or via the hotlines 0805 600 3030 and 0805 600 2020.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X
