The Nigerian Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, alongside major airline operators, following public outcry over “outrageous” increases in domestic ticket prices. Lawmakers described the surge as exploitative, particularly during the festive season.
Okay News reports that airfares on key routes such as Abuja–Lagos, Abuja–Enugu, and Abuja–Ilorin now range from N400,000 to N650,000, making air travel unaffordable for many Nigerians.
Addressing the chamber, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Abdulfatai Buhari, highlighted the financial strain on travellers. “Mr President, from Abuja to Lagos is now between 400,000 and 650,000 naira. Abuja to Enugu is about 500,000. Even Abuja to Ilorin is around 450,000,” he said, stressing the need for urgent intervention.
Senators condemned the steep hike as unjustifiable, noting that flights to Enugu previously cost N150,000, while a Lagos–Abuja ticket recently sold for N560,000. The Appropriations Committee chairman, Solomon Adeola, reminded the Senate that airline operators had already benefited from government concessions, including spare parts, and should be accountable for the price increase.
While some, like Orji Uzor Kalu, attempted to justify the fares citing inflation, foreign exchange issues, and operational costs, the majority of senators rejected the arguments. Senate President Godswill Akpabio called the situation intolerable: “Minimum wage is N70,000. A civil servant would need to save six months’ salary to afford a one-way ticket. This is glaring exploitation.”
The Senate directed the Minister of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and all airline operators to attend an emergency meeting within the week to provide explanations and propose immediate relief strategies.
