Proposed Yuletide Airfare Hike:  Constitutional Lawyer, Ikenna Ahumibe Drags Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines To FCCPC, ICPC 

By Ethel Ahanaonu

A constitutional and Human rights lawyer,  Ikenna Ahumibe esq has dragged the managements of Air Peace and the  United Nigeria Airlines To Federal Competition and Consumer protection Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission over the proposed exploitation hike of Airfares.

Ikenna Ahumibe in a petition he addressed to Executive Vice Chairman,

Federal Competition and consumer Protection Commission, dated 8th of October which was made available to Starpost Express Newspaper, charged FCCPC to investigate this trend for possible violation of price fixing, market abuse or collusive behavior and compel transportation from the operators regarding their pricing structures .

He  also called on the ICPC to look into any underlying corrupt practices or regulatory compromise that may be enabling such actions.

According to the petition,

“I write to formally petition your notable agency regarding the exploitation hike in Airfares by Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines specifically for Routes to the South East during the Christmas period.”

“Over the years, Nigerians particularly those traveling home during festive periods to South East have endured seasonal price manipulation in the Aviation sector.”

“However, the current spike in  ticket prices is both unreasonable and unconscionable, with fares rising beyond the reach of average citizens. We believe this action violates the principles of fair market competition and consumer protection as enshrined in the Federal Competition and Consumer protection Act ( FCCPA)”

“This pricing pattern appears to be deliberate, Coordinated and predatory targeting a specific demographic and exploiting the seasonal demand.

Such conduct if unchecked not only undermines public trust but erodes economic equity especially for a region heavily reliant on Air Travel due to poor road and rail infrastructure.”

“Thes Airlines have advertised for Christmas 2025, Lagos Asaba or Abuja to Owerri or Lagos to Anambra at #350, 500.00 one way with Abuja to Enugu hitting #275,000.00 at the same instant Lagos Kano return costs less than one third of Lagos – Enugu”.

“We hereby urge the FCCPC to investigate this trend for possible violation of price fixing, market abuse or collusive behavior and compel transportation from the operators regarding their pricing structures”.

“We also call on the ICPC to look into any underlying corrupt practices or regulatory compromise that may be enabling such actions.”

“In the spirit of justice and fairness, we request that you direct Thes Airlines to review and adjust these excessive fare and ensure that all pricing decisions going forward are made in a manner that reflects both Market realities and consumer rights.”

“We trust that Your office will act swiftly to protect the interest of passengers traveling to South East during yuletide period and hold these Airlines accountable.”