… As Umahi orders opening of federal roads
By Charles Ebi
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission ,FCCPC, has cautioned inter-city road transport operators against arbitrary and unexplained fare increases during the ongoing yuletide travel period, following a surge in consumer complaints across several parts of the country.
The Commission said it recognises that seasonal demand, operational pressures and other legitimate cost factors may affect transport pricing.
However, it said consumers are entitled to clear, accurate, and timely information on fares before travel, noting that any fare adjustment must therefore be transparently communicated and applied fairly.
The FCCPC also noted that these complaints are arising at a time when there are reports of reductions in the pump price of premium motor spirit across parts of the country.
It said while fuel cost is only one of several inputs that may influence transport fares, increases that are not properly explained or disclosed raise valid consumer protection concerns.
Commenting on the development, the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr Tunji Bello, said the FCCPC is closely monitoring market conduct throughout the festive season and has intensified engagement with transport unions, park managers and operators nationwide.
He explained that these engagements are preventive in nature and are aimed at encouraging responsible pricing practices, voluntary compliance and orderly market behaviour.
Bello clarified that price increases are not, in themselves, unlawful.
However, he added that conduct that exploits consumers or takes unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand may attract regulatory attention under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
He further noted that practices such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercive conduct, or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers will be subject to strict regulatory scrutiny.
Where cases of violation are established, he warned, culprits face stiff penalties.
He advised consumers to confirm fares before travel, retain evidence of payment, and report any suspected unfair practices to the Commission through its complaint portal at complaints.fccpc.gov.ng or via the hotlines 0805 600 3030 and 0805 600 2020.
In the same vein, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has summoned an emergency meeting of top officials and contractors in the Federal Ministry of Works as part of measures to ensure smooth traffic flow and safe travel during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
According to an official notice issued on behalf of the Ministry, and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Rafiu O. Adeladan, yesterday, the meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Federal Ministry of Works, Abuja.
The statement listed Directors, Zonal Directors, and Controllers of Works in the Ministry, as well as Managing Directors and Project Managers of construction companies handling federal road projects nationwide as attendees.
It quoted the Minister as directing all Controllers of Works to ensure that all federal roads currently under construction, as well as those already completed within their respective zones, are opened to commuters throughout the festive period.
It was learnt that the directive was aimed at easing vehicular movement, reducing travel time, and enhancing safety for road users during the peak holiday season.
The Ministry emphasised that the order applies nationwide and is part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to improve road safety and travel experience for Nigerians during the Christmas rush.
The statement directed all the concerned officials and contractors to comply fully with the minister’s instructions.
Umahi had on Sunday night announced that normal traffic flow has been restored to the Abuja – Lokoja Highway.
Recalls that the long traffic, which lasted for hours followed a disruption occasioned by a standoff between truck drivers and military personnel over the weekend.
The incident, which reportedly involved the smashing of a truck’s windscreen, led to a blockade of a portion of the road by truck drivers, resulting in severe traffic gridlock along the alignment.
The development caused significant delays and hardship to road users travelling towards Lokoja and other destinations during this festive season.
A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, Mohammed A. Ahmed, quoted the minister as directing the immediate opening of already completed sections of the Expressway and approving the deployment of all necessary measures to restore free movement and ease the hardship being experienced by the road users.
According to the statement, the directive, which was promptly implemented on Sunday, has helped to decongest the affected corridor and improve traffic flow.
Umahi appealed to motorists to remain patient, orderly, and cautious, particularly, during this peak holiday travel period.
He reassured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable road transportation nationwide.
Also, the Federal Controller of Works, Kogi State, Engr Patiko Isah disclosed that the Field Headquarters, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps ,FRSC, and other security agencies, had restored the free flow of traffic on the road.
