The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has concluded investigations into the sharp increase in domestic airline ticket prices during last year’s Yuletide season and is preparing to sanction airlines found culpable.
Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, disclosed in Abuja on Thursday that the commission’s final report will soon be released, alongside penalties that could include mandatory refunds to affected passengers.
“We have carried out a full investigation into the issue of airlines during the Yuletide period. The final report will be published soon, and where refunds are necessary, they will be demanded,” Bello told journalists.
According to the FCCPC’s preliminary findings, airline ticket prices that typically ranged between ₦145,000 and ₦150,000 surged to between ₦405,000 and ₦600,000 during the Christmas travel period.
The commission noted that the increases occurred despite relatively stable aviation fuel costs, government charges and foreign exchange rates.
“Our preliminary report already finds the airlines wanting in that regard,” Bello said. “We are considering a situation where they will refund the excess charges to passengers, which we believe they exploited.”
Part of the commission’s report suggests the price spikes may have resulted from arbitrary pricing practices or potential collusion among airlines.
Route-level analysis revealed that fare increases were closely linked to reduced seat availability during predictable seasonal demand peaks.
On busy routes such as Abuja–Port Harcourt, fares during peak travel periods were several times higher than those recorded after the festive rush.
The report stated that on some routes, the price difference for a single ticket reached as high as ₦405,000, while median fares across several corridors rose significantly during the holiday travel window.
Beyond the aviation sector, Bello warned petroleum marketers against exploiting global oil market fluctuations triggered by tensions in the Middle East.
He said FCCPC teams are already monitoring fuel prices and other essential commodities to prevent unjustified increases.
“If suppliers reduce prices by ₦100 or ₦200 and some filling stations are still selling for ₦1,500 per litre or higher, we will ask questions and take the necessary steps,” he said.
The FCCPC boss also revealed that the energy, financial technology and telecommunications sectors account for the highest number of consumer complaints nationwide.
In cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan and Kaduna, most complaints relate to digital lending platforms, telecom charges, electricity billing and banking transactions.
Electricity complaints are particularly widespread, especially regarding estimated billing and inconsistent supply.
Bello noted that consumers placed on Band A electricity tariff, who pay higher rates for improved service, must receive the promised minimum of 20 hours of power supply daily.
“If they are paying the higher tariff, they must receive value for their money, and we are holding the companies accountable for that commitment,” he said.
FCCPC officials revealed that between March and August 2025 alone, the commission resolved over 9,000 complaints, recovering more than ₦10 billion for Nigerian consumers.
The agency receives over 25,000 complaints annually, many of which lead to refunds or replacement of defective goods after mediation.
Bello urged Nigerians to formally document and report violations of consumer rights rather than complaining informally.
“Effective regulatory action depends on documented complaints,” he said, encouraging consumers to submit cases through the commission’s digital platforms and other official channels.
