Aviation Stakeholders Divided Over FCCPC Price-Fixing Allegations

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola 

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation industry are divided over allegations by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) that some airlines engaged in price fixing.

The controversy follows an investigation by the Commission, which indicted five unnamed domestic airlines over airfare increases during the festive season, sparking widespread debate across the sector.

Airlines, operating under the umbrella of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), have rejected the findings. They argued that the FCCPC lacks the technical expertise to interpret airline pricing and warned that such claims could threaten the survival of local carriers.

However, aviation consultant Chris Aligbe supported the Commission’s position, stating that the FCCPC has the legal authority to regulate anti-competitive practices across all sectors. He noted that the sharp rise in ticket prices during peak travel periods justified regulatory scrutiny.