Nigeria’s consumer protection watchdog has disclosed that it uncovered patterns suggesting possible airfare inflation by domestic carriers during the peak festive travel period.
Nijatravel report that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) released interim findings indicating that several domestic airlines significantly increased ticket prices during the December 2025 holiday season, prompting widespread complaints from travelers.
According to the commission, the investigation began in January 2026 following concerns raised by passengers over sharp spikes in fares across major domestic routes. Preliminary analysis compared ticket prices during the high-demand festive period with post-peak fares in January and found substantial differences that were not fully explained by operational cost changes such as aviation fuel prices, taxes, or exchange rate fluctuations.
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The FCCPC’s interim review suggests that certain pricing behaviors may have reflected discretionary yield management and capacity strategies rather than unavoidable cost pressures. In some cases, fare disparities on popular routes were reportedly significant, raising questions about pricing transparency and competitive conduct within the sector.
While the commission stopped short of issuing final conclusions, it stated that further route-level and structural analyses are ongoing. The goal, according to the agency, is to determine whether regulatory intervention, enforcement action, or additional guidelines are necessary under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.
The FCCPC airline price manipulation probe also noted patterns where multiple airlines appeared to cluster fare prices within narrow ranges during the peak season. Although this may indicate parallel pricing behavior, the commission acknowledged that limited seat availability, high passenger demand, and operational constraints could also influence ticket costs during festive periods.
Speaking on the matter, the FCCPC’s Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, emphasized the agency’s mandate to promote fair competition and protect consumers. He stated that the investigation aims to clarify pricing dynamics in Nigeria’s aviation market and ensure that passengers are not subjected to exploitative practices during predictable high-demand seasons.
The commission further indicated that the scope of its review may expand to include foreign airlines operating in Nigeria, following recurring complaints about pricing disparities on international routes compared with neighboring countries.
Airfare pricing remains a contentious issue in Nigeria, particularly during holidays when travel demand surges. Airlines often cite operational costs, fleet limitations, and infrastructure challenges as factors contributing to high fares. However, consumer advocacy groups argue that stronger oversight is required to prevent potential abuse of market conditions.
The ongoing FCCPC airline price manipulation investigation could have significant implications for Nigeria’s aviation industry, particularly if it results in policy reforms or enforcement measures aimed at enhancing fare transparency and competitive fairness.