Senate summons aviation minister over surge in domestic airfares

A cross section of the Senate in session. Photo: Nigerian Senate

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The Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, alongside key industry stakeholders, for an urgent meeting following widespread public concern over the sharp rise in domestic airfares.

The resolution followed a motion raised by Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, who, as reported by Channels TV, warned that the escalating prices threaten national mobility and could disrupt travel ahead of the festive season.

Checks by The PUNCH showed that one-way airfare on some domestic routes, particularly on the South-South and South-East routes, has jumped by about 150 per cent, crossing N300,000.

Before the festive period, air tickets on domestic routes hovered around N120,000. But an analysis of domestic airfares on the websites of airlines last Tuesday showed that ticket costs, particularly to the South-South and South-East regions, have increased by about 150 per cent compared to what the prices were before the Yuletide.

During the debate, Senator Buhari highlighted complaints from Nigerians over soaring domestic flight costs, noting that a one-way ticket from Abuja to Lagos now ranges between N400,000 and N600,000, a price he says many citizens can no longer afford.

He added that the situation is particularly troubling given the growing insecurity and challenges on major highways.

“We need to invite stakeholders of our airline agencies to interact and interrogate these issues. Immediate steps must be taken before the festive period,” he said.

Other senators voiced similar concerns. Senator Adamu Aliero described the fare hike as unacceptable, while Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi condemned what he called a “400 per cent increase” and criticised delays in establishing a national carrier.

He urged Minister Keyamo to take decisive action.

Senator Solomon Olamilekan noted that airline operators have already received multiple concessions, especially on spare parts, and should therefore be held accountable for the current price surge.

However, Senator Orji Kalu attempted to justify the increases, citing rising operational costs and expensive spare parts, a defence that drew strong objections from several lawmakers.

The Senate ultimately directed Minister Keyamo, airline operators, regulators, and other stakeholders to appear before the relevant committees this week to explain the fare hikes and propose measures to stabilise prices ahead of the holiday travel season.

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