Following a surge in client complaints nationwide, the Federal Competitors and Shopper Safety Fee (FCCPC) has warned inter-city highway transport operators throughout Nigeria towards arbitrary and unexplained will increase in transport fares throughout the yuletide interval.
In an announcement launched on Sunday by its Director of Company Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, and shared on the Fee’s official X deal with, the FCCPC stated it recognised that seasonal demand and operational pressures might affect pricing, however emphasised that customers are entitled to clear, correct, and well timed data on fares earlier than journey.
“Seasonal demand, operational pressures, and different professional price components might have an effect on transport pricing. Nonetheless, customers are entitled to clear, correct, and well timed data on fares earlier than journey. Any fare adjustment should subsequently be transparently communicated and utilized pretty,” the Fee acknowledged.
The Fee expressed concern that the complaints had been surfacing at a time when there are stories of reductions within the pump value of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) throughout elements of the nation. It famous that whereas gasoline is just one of a number of inputs influencing transport prices, unexplained fare will increase raised legitimate client safety considerations.
Commenting on the event, the Govt Vice Chairman and Chief Govt Officer of the Fee, Mr. Tunji Bello, stated the FCCPC was intently monitoring market conduct all through the festive season and has intensified engagements with transport unions, park managers, and operators nationwide.
“These engagements are preventive in nature and are aimed toward encouraging accountable pricing practices, voluntary compliance, and orderly market behaviour,” Bello defined.
He clarified that whereas value will increase will not be inherently illegal, any conduct that exploits customers or takes unfair benefit of heightened seasonal demand may appeal to regulatory consideration below the Federal Competitors and Shopper Safety Act (FCCPA) 2018.
“Practices reminiscent of insufficient fare disclosure, coercive conduct, or coordinated pricing preparations amongst operators to the detriment of customers will likely be topic to strict regulatory scrutiny. The place circumstances of violation are established, culprits face stiff penalties,” Bello warned.
The FCCPC urged customers to substantiate fares earlier than journey, retain proof of fee, and report any suspected unfair practices by its grievance portal at complaints.fccpc.gov.ng or by way of their hotlines.
