**Airfare Scandal Rocks Nigerian Skies** The festive season is supposed to be a time of joy, relaxation, and love for many Nigerians, but for some, it's also a time of financial strain due to exorbitant airfares. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has blown the lid off what appears to be a shocking price manipulation scandal among domestic airlines. According to a recent report, airfare prices skyrocketed during the December 2025 holiday season, with some fares increasing by as much as N405,000 on certain routes. This price hike occurred despite little or no change in key cost drivers like fuel prices, taxes, and foreign exchange rates. The FCCPC's findings suggest that some airlines may have engaged in coordinated pricing behavior to exploit consumers during a peak travel period. The report analyzed ticket sales data from multiple airlines operating across Nigeria's local routes, including Abuja to Port Harcourt, Lagos to Abuja, and Enugu to Lagos. The results were astonishing, with median fares surging sharply during the holiday window. While the FCCPC acknowledges that seasonal demand and limited seat availability can influence pricing, it's clear that some airlines have taken advantage of the situation to hike prices unreasonably. The implications of this scandal are far-reaching. For many Nigerians, air travel is a necessary evil, especially during peak travel periods. If prices are manipulated to exploit consumers, it can have serious consequences for individuals and families who rely on air travel for business, leisure, or to visit loved ones. The FCCPC has made it clear that its mandate is to protect consumers and ensure that competition principles are upheld. In light of this scandal, the agency is calling for further structural and route-level analysis to identify the root causes of price manipulation. This is a welcome move, as Nigerians deserve fair and transparent pricing practices in the aviation industry. As the FCCPC continues its investigation, it's essential for airlines to be transparent about their pricing strategies and to avoid exploiting consumers during peak travel periods. Nigeria's aviation industry must prioritize fairness, transparency, and consumer protection to maintain the trust and confidence of the public.