The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says a recent review has uncovered signs of alleged price manipulation by some local airlines.
The commission disclosed this in a statement issued by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu. He said the findings appear in an interim report prepared by the agency’s Department of Surveillance and Investigations.
According to the FCCPC, the review focused on airfare pricing during the December 2025 festive season. The agency compared those fares with ticket prices recorded in January 2026 after the peak travel period.
Preliminary analysis showed that fares during the December rush were significantly higher on several routes. However, key cost factors such as fuel prices, government taxes, and foreign exchange rates remained relatively stable during that period.
The commission said the price gaps suggest possible arbitrary pricing decisions. It pointed to yield management practices and seat allocation strategies rather than changes in regulatory charges.
Route-level data also revealed that higher fares aligned with reduced seat availability during predictable demand peaks. On busy routes, several airlines offered similar peak fares within narrow price bands.
However, the interim report acknowledged that seasonal demand, flight schedules, and fleet use may have influenced pricing during the festive period.
Reacting to the findings, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the review falls within the agency’s legal mandate. He stressed that the commission aims to promote fair competition and protect consumers.
Bello added that the FCCPC does not intend to disrupt legitimate business activity. Instead, it seeks to ensure that airline pricing aligns with competition and consumer protection laws.
