The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has concluded investigations into the unusually high airfares charged by airlines during the 2025 Christmas season.
The commission says affected passengers may be entitled to refunds if operators are found guilty of exploiting consumers.
Executive Vice Chairman Tunji Bello disclosed this on Thursday while briefing State House correspondents in Abuja.
He explained that preliminary findings showed airlines charged excessive fares during the festive period.
“Our preliminary report already finds the airlines wanting in that regard. The final report will be issued soon,” Bello said.
According to him, ticket prices that normally ranged between ₦145,000 and ₦150,000 suddenly jumped to between ₦405,000 and ₦600,000.
He alleged that about five or six airlines may have colluded to fix prices, though he declined to name them until the final report is released.
Wider Investigations into Pricing
Beyond aviation, Bello revealed that FCCPC is investigating exploitative pricing in other sectors such as baby formula, pharmaceuticals, and cement.
He noted that while Nigeria operates a free-market economy, the commission will intervene when businesses exploit consumers or engage in unfair practices.
He added that enforcement teams uncovered deceptive practices, including repackaging low-grade rice as premium brands and checkout prices that differ from shelf labels.
Some stores in Abuja and other cities have already been sealed, while compliance notices were issued to others.
Consumer Protection Efforts
Bello encouraged Nigerians to report unfair pricing or deceptive packaging through FCCPC’s complaint channels.
He said the commission helped consumers recover more than ₦10 billion between January and October 2025 through dispute resolution.
He also mentioned ongoing collaboration with other regulators to address unethical practices in the digital lending sector.
FCCPC says it is monitoring global developments, including tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, to ensure businesses do not unjustifiably raise prices in Nigeria.
The commission’s final report on airline pricing is expected soon, and enforcement actions, including possible refunds, may follow.
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