The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) of Nigeria has released an interim report highlighting recent findings of price manipulation by domestic airlines, particularly around the December 2025 holiday season. This report raises alarms about potential consumer exploitation and the competitive dynamics of Nigeria's aviation sector. It suggests that some airlines may have taken undue advantage of the festive travel demand to hike ticket prices significantly beyond normal levels.

The interim findings stem from an investigation launched by the FCCPC in January, aimed at examining pricing strategies employed by airlines. The report indicates that ticket fares during the peak travel period were notably inflated compared to subsequent fares in January 2026. Interestingly, this spike in prices occurred despite the relative stability in critical variables crucial for airline operations, such as aviation fuel prices, government taxes, and the foreign exchange rate. This discrepancy points towards potential anti-competitive behaviors within the industry that could harm consumers and undermine fair market practices.

Given the findings, the FCCPC is likely to intervene to safeguard consumer interests and enforce compliance with competition laws in the aviation sector. The implications of this report could lead to stricter regulations and oversight of airline pricing strategies to ensure fair competition and protect passengers from inflated costs, particularly during peak travel seasons. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges within Nigeria's aviation industry regarding pricing transparency and fair business practices.