Nigeria’s consumer protection agency has uncovered evidence suggesting some domestic airlines may have engaged in price fixing during the 2025 Christmas travel rush.
In an interim report released Thursday, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said ticket fares during December were “materially higher” than those in January 2026, despite stable fuel costs, taxes, and foreign exchange rates.
The review analysed several domestic routes, including Abuja–Port Harcourt, where single-ticket prices during the festive period were reportedly up to ₦405,000 higher than post-peak fares.
The commission noted that fares often spiked when seat availability was limited, with prices across multiple carriers clustered within a narrow range—a pattern that may indicate coordinated pricing.
FCCPC Chief Executive Tunji Bello said the study aims to clarify airline pricing behaviours during predictable peak periods. “We will not interfere with legitimate business activity, but we will act to uphold the law,” Bello said.
The report cited provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, which addresses anti-competitive agreements, abuse of market dominance, and unfair pricing practices.
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The agency is also set to examine foreign carriers operating in Nigeria, following complaints that some international fares are higher than comparable routes in neighbouring countries.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
