The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has clarified that increases in transport fares during the yuletide period are not unlawful in themselves, warning, however, that exploitative or unfair practices by road transport operators will attract regulatory sanctions.

The clarification was made in a statement issued on Sunday by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu.

FCCPC noted that the warning comes amid complaints over arbitrary fare hikes by inter-city road transport operators across the country.

It acknowledged that “Seasonal demand, operational pressures, and other legitimate cost factors may affect transport pricing.

“However, consumers are entitled to clear, accurate, and timely information on fares before travel. Any fare adjustment must therefore be transparently communicated and applied fairly.

“The FCCPC also notes that these complaints are arising at a time when there are reports of reductions in the pump price of premium motor spirit across parts of the country.

“While fuel cost is only one of several inputs that may influence transport fares, increases that are not properly explained or disclosed raise valid consumer protection concerns,” the statement noted.

Commenting on the development, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr Tunji Bello, said FCCPC was closely monitoring market conduct throughout the festive season and had intensified engagement with transport unions, park managers and operators nationwide.

According to him, the engagements are preventive and aimed at promoting responsible pricing, voluntary compliance and orderly market behaviour.

“Price increases are not, in themselves, unlawful,” the statement noted Bello as saying.

“However, conduct that exploits consumers or takes unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand may attract regulatory attention under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.”

He added that practices such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercive conduct or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers would be subjected to strict regulatory scrutiny.

Bello warned that “Where cases of violation are established, he warned, culprits face stiff penalties.”

The Commission advised consumers to confirm fares before travel, retain proof of payment and report suspected unfair practices through its complaint portal or designated hotlines.