The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has announced the commencement of an expanded investigation into the pricing templates used by some airlines, which have led to high ticket rates on certain domestic routes.

The primary objective of this investigation is to establish possible violations of the law’s provisions.

This information was released in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, the Director of Corporate Affairs for the Commission.

Mr. Ijagwu noted that widespread concerns have recently been expressed regarding what appears to be “coordinated manipulation or exploitation in the pricing of airline tickets by some airlines on certain routes.”

The specific routes where these concerns have been raised notably include the South-East and South-South regions, coinciding with the beginning of the festive season.

According to Mr. Ijagwu, the ongoing investigation is specifically targeting operators serving these identified routes, and the Commission intends to apply appropriate enforcement measures if evidence indicates any violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act.

Mr. Ijagwu further explained that the airline, Air Peace, had previously “instituted a court action seeking to restrain the Commission from examining its pricing mechanisms,” following the initial start of an investigation into its pricing model due to widespread complaints from the public. He stressed that the FCCPC’s ongoing inquiry is proceeding “without prejudice to the case instituted against the Commission by Air Peace.”

Mr. Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, was quoted by the director, affirming the Commission’s resolve. Mr. Bello stated that “the Commission would not hesitate to act where evidence showed that consumers welfare or market competitiveness were being undermined.”

He clarified the FCCPC’s role, saying: “For the avoidance of doubt, we are not a price control board but the FCCPAct 2018 empowers us to check the exploitation of consumers.”

Mr. Bello emphasized the proactive stance of the agency, noting: “When we receive petitions or where we find cogent evidence, we will not stand by and watch Nigerian consumers being exploited under any guise.” He linked the new, broader review to the issue of high costs, stating: “Given the arbitrary spike in airfares, the Commission is extending its review of pricing patterns, the basis for the increases reported by consumers, and any practices that could undermine fair competition.”

He concluded his remarks by assuring that “Where evidence confirms a breach of the Act, FCCPC will apply appropriate enforcement measures.” Mr. Bello added that the Commission will continue to provide updates regarding the ongoing investigations in the aviation industry.