FCCPC Probes Possible Airline Fare Exploitation During Festive Rush
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission flags possible exploitative pricing by domestic airlines following a review of airfares during the December 2025 festive travel rush.
An interim report shows ticket prices surge sharply on key routes despite stable fuel costs, government charges and foreign exchange rates.
Investigators compare December fares with prices in January 2026 and find gaps running into hundreds of thousands of naira. On routes such as Abuja–Port Harcourt, some peak fares exceed post-holiday prices by as much as ₦405,000.
The Commission says the increases appear linked to internal airline pricing strategies rather than changes in operating costs.
“Seasonal demand explains some variation, but pricing patterns still require scrutiny,” the agency notes.
Executive Vice Chairman Tunji Bello says the review aims to protect passengers, not disrupt legitimate business.
“This is an interim assessment,” Bello says. “Any regulatory action will strictly follow the law.”
The FCCPC warns that certain practices may breach the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, particularly provisions on abuse of dominance and unfair consumer conduct.
The agency also plans to examine fares charged by international airlines operating in Nigeria following complaints of higher outbound prices compared with neighbouring countries.
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