Amanze Chinonye
The Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, along with major airline operators and aviation regulators, following nationwide outrage over the sudden spike in domestic airfares as Nigerians prepare for the busy holiday travel season.
The decision was reached during Tuesday’s plenary after Senator Buhari Abdulfatai (APC, Oyo North) moved a motion drawing attention to what he described as an “alarming and destabilising” surge in ticket prices. He warned that the hikes could trigger widespread travel disruptions in the coming days, especially as millions of Nigerians rely heavily on air travel during the festive period.
Leading the debate, Senator Buhari disclosed that a one-way ticket on the Abuja–Lagos route now costs between ₦400,000 and ₦600,000, depending on the airline and time of booking a sharp departure from the average prices Nigerians were used to months earlier. He said the trend has left many citizens frustrated and financially strained at a time when insecurity on major highways has made long-distance road travel riskier.
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“This situation demands urgent interrogation. We must invite aviation stakeholders immediately and address this before the festive period,” he said.
Several lawmakers expressed outrage over the development. Senator Adamu Aliero described the price surge as “unacceptable,” while Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi condemned what he termed an “unprecedented 400 percent increment.” Nwebonyi also questioned the prolonged delay in establishing a national carrier, insisting that Nigeria “is long overdue for one” and urging Keyamo to take decisive action.
Senator Solomon Olamilekan noted that airlines have received various concessions from the government particularly on spare parts and should therefore not impose exorbitant fares on the public. However, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu argued that rising operational costs may have influenced airlines’ decisions, a position that was met with strong disapproval from colleagues who insisted the explanation was inadequate.
The Senate subsequently resolved that Keyamo, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the chief executives of all domestic airlines must appear before its aviation committee this week. They are expected to explain the reasons behind the skyrocketing prices and propose immediate measures to stabilise fares ahead of the expected holiday rush.
Prime Business Africa reports that airports across the country are already witnessing rising passenger traffic as the festive season approaches, heightening concerns that the airfare crisis could worsen if not addressed promptly.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
