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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commenced an investigation into the recent surge in domestic airfares, raising hopes among Nigerians that relief may be in sight following widespread complaints over soaring ticket prices.
The move comes amid growing public outrage over what many passengers describe as arbitrary and exploitative fare increases by local airlines, particularly on domestic routes. Concerns have intensified during peak and festive travel periods, when ticket prices are often reported to spike sharply.
The issue has also drawn the attention of the Nigerian Senate, which recently held extensive deliberations and called for a comprehensive probe into the pricing practices of domestic airlines, alleging possible exploitation of passengers.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Friday, the Director of Corporate Affairs at the FCCPC, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, said the Commission had commenced an expanded investigation to determine whether airlines were in breach of existing competition and consumer protection laws.
According to the Commission, the ongoing probe is focused on operators serving selected routes, particularly in the South-East and South-South regions, where complaints have been most prevalent.
Ijagwu stated that the investigation seeks to establish whether there have been violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), adding that the Commission would not hesitate to apply enforcement measures if wrongdoing is established.
He disclosed that Air Peace has filed a court action seeking to restrain the FCCPC from examining its pricing structure, following the Commission’s earlier investigation into its fare model after numerous public complaints. However, he noted that the expanded inquiry would proceed without prejudice to the pending legal action.
Quoting the Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, Ijagwu said the Commission remained committed to protecting consumers and promoting fair competition in the market.
“The Commission would not hesitate to act where evidence shows that consumer welfare or market competitiveness is being undermined,” Bello said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we are not a price control board, but the FCCPA 2018 empowers us to check the exploitation of consumers.
“When we receive petitions or find cogent evidence, we will not stand by and watch Nigerian consumers being exploited under any guise.
“Given the arbitrary spike in airfares, the Commission is extending its review of pricing patterns, the basis for the increases reported by consumers, and any practices that could undermine fair competition.
“Where evidence confirms a breach of the Act, FCCPC will apply appropriate enforcement measures,” he added.
The FCCPC’s intervention has renewed public expectation that the long-standing concerns over domestic airfare pricing will finally be addressed.