During the current holiday travel season, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a warning to inter-city road transport companies about capricious and inexplicable fee hikes.
Following a spike in customer complaints from throughout the nation, the Commission’s Corporate Affairs Director, Ondaje Ijagwu, signed a statement containing the warning.
Transport pricing may be impacted by operational challenges, seasonal demand, and other valid cost considerations, the FCCPC noted.
Nonetheless, it emphasized that customers have a right to fast, clear, and accurate ticket information before to travel.
The Commission asserts that all fare adjustments must be done equitably and with open communication.
The FCCPC further points out that these concerns are coming at a time when premium motor spirit pump prices have reportedly dropped in some regions of the nation.
The statement stated in part that “increases that are not properly explained or disclosed raise valid consumer protection concerns, even though fuel cost is only one of several inputs that may influence transport fares.”
The FCCPC is closely watching market conduct over the holiday season and has increased engagement with transport unions, park management, and operators worldwide, according to comments made by Tunji Bello, the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
He clarified that the interactions are preventive in nature and intended to encourage voluntary compliance, reasonable pricing, and orderly market behavior.
Bello explained that price hikes by themselves are not illegal. However, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018 may lead to regulatory action for actions that unfairly take advantage of increased seasonal demand or exploit consumers.
He also cautioned that harsh regulatory scrutiny would be applied to actions like coercive behavior, inadequate fare transparency, or coordinated pricing agreements among operators that harm customers. Offenders would be subject to severe fines in cases where infractions are proven.
Customers were instructed by the Commission to verify fares before to travel, keep proof of payment, and use its complaint site at http://complaints.fccpc.gov.ng to report any suspected unfair practices.
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