Protection Commission (FCCPC) has uncovered what it described as patterns of price manipulation by some domestic airlines during the December 2025 festive season, raising fresh concerns over possible price fixing in the aviation sector.
The findings are contained in an interim report released by the Commission’s Surveillance and Investigations Department following an industry-wide probe launched in January.
In a statement signed by the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission said its forensic review compared airfare data from the December peak period with post-peak January 2026 fares across multiple domestic routes.
According to the report, fares during the festive rush were “materially higher” than post-peak levels despite relative stability in key operating costs such as aviation fuel prices, government taxes and foreign exchange rates.
The Commission noted that the sharp increases appeared to stem from airlines’ pricing decisions — including yield management strategies and seat capacity allocation — rather than changes in regulatory charges.
On some high-density routes, especially the Abuja–Port Harcourt corridor, ticket prices during peak travel periods were several times higher than January fares. In certain instances, the difference for a single ticket was as much as ₦405,000.
The report also observed that peak fares among several operators were clustered within narrow price bands, particularly at periods of reduced seat availability during predictable seasonal demand surges.
While acknowledging that seasonal demand pressures, scheduling constraints and fleet utilisation could influence pricing, the FCCPC said these factors remain under review as investigations continue.
Commenting on the development, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, said the probe aligns with the Commission’s mandate to promote competitive markets and protect consumers.
“This assessment is intended to provide clarity on pricing behaviour during predictable peak travel periods. The Commission’s role is not to disrupt legitimate commercial activity, but to ensure that market outcomes remain consistent with competition and consumer protection principles under the law,” Bello said.
He stressed that the report is interim, adding that further structural and route-level analyses are ongoing before final conclusions are reached.
“Our next action will be dictated by the full facts established at the end of the review. The Commission will determine whether regulatory guidance, engagement or enforcement steps are necessary, strictly in accordance with the law,” he added.
The report referenced relevant provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, including sections dealing with restraint of competition, abuse of dominant position, price fixing, conspiracy and unfair contract terms.
Meanwhile, Bello disclosed that foreign airlines would soon come under the Commission’s radar over allegations of charging Nigerians higher fares on certain international routes compared to neighbouring countries covering similar distances.
The move signals a broader crackdown as the regulator seeks to curb exploitative pricing practices in Nigeria’s aviation market.
Festive Fare Rip-Off? FCCPC Indicts Local Airlines for Price Fixing, Turns Heat on Foreign Carriers
