The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched an expanded investigation into the alleged arbitrary increase in airfares by several Nigerian airlines, following widespread public outrage.
The move comes after the Nigerian Senate deliberated extensively on the issue, calling for a thorough probe into the spike in ticket prices. According to a statement issued on Friday by FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, the investigation seeks to determine potential violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).
The inquiry will focus on operators on selected routes, including those serving the South-East and South-South regions. FCCPC said it would apply enforcement measures if evidence confirms that consumer welfare or market competitiveness has been undermined.
Mr. Ijagwu noted that Air Peace had filed a court case seeking to prevent the Commission from examining its pricing mechanisms. He clarified that the ongoing probe continues without prejudice to that legal action.
Quoting FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman Tunji Bello, the statement emphasized that the commission is empowered to protect consumers: “We are not a price control board, but the FCCP Act 2018 allows us to prevent consumer exploitation. Where evidence confirms a breach of the Act, FCCPC will apply appropriate enforcement measures,” Bello said.
The commission said it will review pricing patterns, examine the justification for the increases reported by consumers, and investigate any practices that could threaten fair competition.
