Overland Airways Accused of Price Discrimination on Lagos–Ilorin–Abuja Route

Overland Airways has been accused of price discrimination on Lagos–Ilorin–Abuja Route.

 

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Overland Airways has come under fire over what consumer advocates are calling exploitative and discriminatory fare pricing on its Lagos–Ilorin–Abuja flight route.

A petition filed with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) accuses the airline of unfairly charging higher fares to passengers traveling shorter distances on the same flight.

The petition, dated August 4, 2025, and obtained by Nairametrics, is titled:
“PETITION AGAINST OVERLAND AIRWAYS – HALF THE DISTANCE! DOUBLE THE PRICE! ON THE SAME FLIGHT!”

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It was submitted by Abuja-based law firm A.U. Mustapha & Co., on behalf of The Third Estate and Like Minds Foundation; two civil society organisations focused on community welfare and consumer rights.

Alleged Monopoly Abuse in Ilorin

Overland Airways is the only commercial airline operating from Ilorin’s General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, a position the petitioners argue has allowed the airline to exploit passengers traveling to or from Ilorin by charging disproportionately higher fares.

“Ilorin-bound passengers are consistently charged disproportionately higher fares, despite travelling a shorter distance,” the petition reads.

For example:

• A Lagos to Ilorin ticket cost N260,000

• An Ilorin to Abuja leg cost N300,000

• Meanwhile, a Lagos to Abuja ticket on the same flight cost just N160,000

Violation of FCCPC Act Alleged

The petitioners argue that this pricing structure violates Section 127 of the FCCPC Act, which prohibits unfair, unreasonable, or unjust contract terms and pricing structures that exploit consumer vulnerability.

“The practice places an undue financial burden on Ilorin-bound travellers, many of whom are indigenes of the Ilorin Emirate and regular commuters on this route,” the petitioners said.

They are calling on the FCCPC to:

• Investigate Overland Airways’ pricing practices

• Sanction the airline where violations are confirmed

• Ensure fair pricing and consumer protection in Nigeria’s aviation sector

Law Firm Confirms Petition Submission

A lawyer from A.U. Mustapha & Co.’s Lagos office confirmed the petition originated from their Abuja branch, noting that the case concerns a growing number of complaints from passengers who feel unfairly charged due to the lack of flight alternatives in Ilorin.

“Our clients believe this is a textbook case of monopolistic exploitation and urge the FCCPC to intervene,” the lawyer said on condition of anonymity.

Awaiting Airline Response

As of press time, Overland Airways had not issued an official statement in response to the allegations.