The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it has concluded investigations into the high airfares charged by airlines during the 2025 Yuletide period and may compel operators to refund affected passengers.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Tunji Bello, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents on Thursday in Abuja.

Bello said the commission’s preliminary findings indicated that airlines may have exploited passengers through excessive charges during the festive travel period.

“Our preliminary report already finds the airlines wanting in that regard. The final report will be issued soon,” he said, adding that the commission was considering directing airlines to refund excess fares paid by travellers.

According to him, airline ticket prices that normally ranged between N145,000 and N150,000 suddenly surged to between N405,000 and N600,000 during the Christmas season.

The FCCPC boss described the situation as a possible case of collusion among airlines aimed at fixing prices, noting that about five or six airlines were involved, although he declined to name them pending the final report.

Beyond the aviation sector, Bello revealed that the commission was also investigating alleged exploitative pricing in other key sectors of the economy, including baby formula, pharmaceuticals and cement, following complaints from consumers.

He explained that although Nigeria operates a free-market economy, the commission would intervene where businesses exploit consumers or engage in unfair market practices.

Bello noted that enforcement operations had uncovered deceptive practices such as repackaging lower-grade rice and presenting it as premium brands, as well as retailers charging prices at checkout that differ from those displayed on shelves.

He added that some stores in Abuja and other cities had been sealed while compliance notices were issued to erring businesses.

The FCCPC chief urged Nigerians to report cases of unfair pricing or deceptive packaging through the commission’s complaint channels, noting that the agency helped consumers recover more than N10 billion through dispute resolution between January and October 2025.

He also said the commission was working with other regulators to address unethical practices in the digital lending sector and was monitoring global developments, including tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, to ensure businesses do not unjustifiably increase prices in Nigeria.