There is renewed hope for air travellers in Nigeria as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has announced an expanded investigation into the recent sharp increase in domestic airfare prices. The move follows widespread complaints by Nigerians, especially during festive periods, over what many describe as unfair and arbitrary ticket pricing by local airlines.
In recent weeks, air passengers across the country have expressed anger over the high cost of flight tickets, particularly on popular local routes. Many Nigerians say air travel, once seen as a faster alternative to unsafe road journeys, is becoming unaffordable for the average citizen.
The situation has drawn the attention of lawmakers, regulators and consumer groups, leading to calls for a full investigation into the pricing practices of domestic airlines.
The issue recently came before the Nigerian Senate, where lawmakers debated the matter extensively. During the deliberations, senators accused some domestic airlines of exploiting passengers through sudden and coordinated increases in ticket prices.
Lawmakers expressed concern that the sharp rise in airfares often occurs during festive seasons such as Christmas, Easter and major public holidays, when demand for travel is high. According to them, this pattern suggests possible manipulation rather than normal market forces.
The Senate called for a comprehensive investigation to determine whether airlines are violating existing laws meant to protect consumers and promote fair competition.
In response to the growing outrage, the FCCPC confirmed on Friday that it has widened its investigation into the matter. The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Director of Corporate Affairs of the Commission, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu.
Ijagwu said the investigation is aimed at establishing whether any airline has violated provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).
According to him, the Commission has received several complaints from members of the public over the high cost of flight tickets, especially on local routes. These complaints, he said, formed part of the basis for the expanded probe.
“The ongoing investigation targets operators on some identified routes, including South-East and South-South,” Ijagwu said.
These regions are known for having limited flight options and high passenger demand, factors that often lead to increased ticket prices.
One major concern of the FCCPC is the alleged coordinated increase in airfares during festive periods. Many travellers complain that ticket prices sometimes double or even triple within a short period, making it difficult for families to travel for important events.
Consumer advocates argue that while airlines are free to make profits, such sudden and extreme price increases may amount to exploitation, especially when passengers have limited alternatives.
The FCCPC said it is reviewing pricing patterns, the reasons given for fare increases, and any practices that may undermine fair competition in the aviation sector.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, clarified that the Commission is not a price control board. However, he stressed that the law gives the agency the power to intervene when consumers are being unfairly treated.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we are not a price control board,” Bello said. “But the FCCP Act 2018 empowers us to check the exploitation of consumers.”
He added that whenever the Commission receives petitions or finds strong evidence of consumer abuse, it will not hesitate to act.
“When we receive petitions or where we find cogent evidence, we will not stand by and watch Nigerian consumers being exploited under any guise,” he said.
Bello explained that the current review is necessary due to the arbitrary spike in airfares reported by passengers across the country.
The FCCPC assured Nigerians that appropriate action would be taken if any airline is found guilty of violating the law. According to the Commission, enforcement measures will be applied where evidence shows that consumer welfare or market competition has been undermined.
“Where evidence confirms a breach of the Act, FCCPC will apply appropriate enforcement measures,” Bello said.
Such measures may include fines, sanctions, or other actions allowed under the FCCPA to protect consumers and ensure fairness in the market.
The investigation has not been without controversy. According to the FCCPC, one of the major domestic airlines, Air Peace, has gone to court to challenge the Commission’s actions.
Ijagwu disclosed that Air Peace instituted a court case seeking to stop the FCCPC from examining its pricing mechanisms. This followed the Commission’s initial move to investigate the airline’s pricing model after widespread public complaints.
He, however, stressed that the expanded investigation is continuing without prejudice to the court case.
“The ongoing inquiry is without prejudice to the case instituted against the Commission by Air Peace,” Ijagwu said.
This means that the FCCPC will continue its work while allowing the legal process to take its course.
Over the past few years, the cost of air travel in Nigeria has risen sharply. Airlines have blamed several factors, including high fuel prices, foreign exchange challenges, aircraft maintenance costs and airport charges.
Jet fuel, also known as aviation fuel, has been one of the biggest cost drivers. Its price has increased significantly due to global market trends and local supply issues. Airlines argue that these rising costs make it difficult to keep fares low.
However, many passengers believe the increases go beyond what is reasonable, especially when prices rise suddenly during peak travel periods.
The high cost of air travel has affected business owners, civil servants, students and families who rely on flights for quick and safe movement across the country. For many, road travel remains risky due to insecurity and poor road conditions, making air travel the preferred option.
With airfares becoming increasingly expensive, some Nigerians are forced to cancel trips or turn to long and unsafe road journeys.
Consumer rights groups have welcomed the FCCPC’s intervention, saying it could bring relief to passengers and restore confidence in the aviation sector.
Many Nigerians are now watching closely to see the outcome of the FCCPC investigation. There is growing hope that the probe will lead to greater transparency in airline pricing and prevent unfair practices.
While airlines insist, they are operating within the law, consumers expect regulators to strike a balance between protecting businesses and safeguarding the public.
As the investigation continues, the FCCPC has urged Nigerians to submit complaints and provide information that could assist its work.
