The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) accused five local airlines of price-fixing during the 2025 Christmas season, with fares spiking to N405,000–N600,000. Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Tunji Bello announced potential refunds for overcharges, based on forensic probes showing unjustified hikes despite stable fuel, taxes, and forex rates. While airline operators via AON denied the claims, a former NANTA leader called High Holiday fares a natural supply-demand outcome. The commission concluded investigations into the six airlines accused of colluding to hike domestic fares during December 2025 holidays. Preliminary findings confirm exploitation; a final report with penalties and potential refunds is imminent, addressing social media outcry over anti-competitive practices banned by the FCCPA.
Meanwhile, United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) is holding off on fare hikes despite Jet A1 fuel prices doubling to N1,800–N1,850 per liter across major airports, up from N900 on February 28 amid global tensions. COO Mazi Osita Okonkwo noted the strain on finances but warned that raises could slash already low passenger numbers (under 16 million annually).
FCCPC has also reported that energy, fintech, and telecom firms top the list for consumer grievances. Executive Vice Chairman Tunji Bello noted that thousands of complaints have been resolved and over ₦20 billion recovered for consumers by March 2026—doubling from ₦10 billion in October 2025. Between March and August 2025 alone, the agency handled over 9,000 cases, reclaiming more than ₦10 billion.
Key Complaint Sectors
- Energy: Frequent issues with unreliable electricity supply, prompting recent enforcement against a Lagos electricity distribution company (DisCo).
- Fintech: Unfair loan terms, like hidden high interest rates on repayments, resolved through investigations.
- Telecom and Banking: High annual volume of about 25,000 complaints via multiple channels.
Price Monitoring Amid Global Tensions
FCCPC has also emphasized that it is tracking petrol and commodity prices nationwide due to the US-Israel-Iran conflict’s impact on supply chains. Monitors are deployed to curb exploitation by fuel suppliers and stations, collaborating with petroleum regulators like the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. Bello stressed this as a short-term step to protect recent economic gains under President Tinubu.
Other Updates
- Electricity Tariffs: Band A users (higher rates) should get 20+ hours daily supply; Band B, 16 hours. Executive Commissioner Louis Odion urged evidence-based complaints for action.
- Cement Prices: Ongoing nationwide probe with a forthcoming report.
- Telecom Tariffs: FCCPC negotiated last year’s proposed 100% hike down to 50% via MOU with the Nigerian Communications Commission.
- Legal Track Record: Over 25 prosecutions since 2019; 30+ cases pending in courts.
FCCPC emphasizes consumer protection without direct price controls, focusing on fair practices and evidence-driven enforcement.
