In an update published by Premium Times, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has concluded preliminary investigations into domestic airlines for “sharp increases” in ticket prices. The regulator warned that carriers found guilty of price-gouging during the recent travel peak may be compelled to issue direct refunds to affected passengers.
The commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello, stated that the investigation followed a flood of consumer complaints regarding the sudden and uniform hike in airfares. The FCCPC is now scrutinizing the data to determine if there was a clandestine agreement among operators to fix prices, which would constitute a violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act.
Airlines have countered these allegations by citing the rising cost of aviation fuel (Jet A1) and the high maintenance costs associated with foreign exchange fluctuations. However, the regulator maintains that such costs do not justify the “predatory pricing” patterns observed during the 2025/2026 festive window.
The Nation and Channels TV also reported on this regulatory move. The Nation quoted an FCCPC official saying, “We will not allow a few players to monopolize the skies at the expense of the average Nigerian,” while Channels TV noted that “at least five major domestic carriers are currently under the regulatory microscope for fare collusion.”
Echotitbits take: This is a bold move for consumer rights, but it risks a standoff with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON). Watch to see if the FCCPC actually enforces refunds—it would set a massive precedent for other sectors like telecoms.
Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/863742-fccpc-may-sanction-airlines-over-festive-fare-hike.html, March 13, 2026
Photo credit: Premium Times
