Reps Decry Skyrocketing Airfares, Demand Swift Govt. Action Before Christmas
•By Admin
ABUJA – THE House of Representatives on Thursday expressed deep concern over the dramatic spike in domestic flight ticket prices nationwide, calling for immediate intervention to ease the financial pressure on Nigerians preparing for Christmas travel.
The alarm was raised following the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved by Hon. Obinna Aguocha, who cautioned that the relentless increase in airfares is already disrupting the holiday plans of countless families hoping to journey home for the festive season.
Aguocha observed that Christmas, typically a time of joy, family bonding and cultural homecomings, has become clouded by economic difficulties, with many citizens now priced out of air travel. He described the rising airfare trend as “a painful obstruction” preventing Nigerians from returning to their communities, warning that it undermines the traditions and collective spirit that define the nation.
While recognising the operational challenges airlines currently face, such as the soaring cost of Jet A1 fuel, volatile foreign exchange rates and rising maintenance expenses, the lawmaker appealed to operators to temper profit motives with empathy, especially during key cultural periods.
“The relentless chase for revenue must not overshadow the emotional and cultural connections that hold us together as a people,” Aguocha said. He argued that even a short-term reduction in fares would send a message of unity and assure Nigerians that holiday travel remains within reach despite economic strain.
Aguocha urged the Federal Government, through the Minister of Aviation and relevant authorities, to step in urgently, as was done with inter-state road transport operators last Christmas, by providing targeted support aimed at reducing flight costs.
After deliberation, the House called for the creation of a clear and transparent framework to ascertain the genuine minimum operational expenses for airlines during the festive season. Lawmakers also urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to grant airlines priority access to foreign exchange at concessionary rates.
In addition, the House directed its Committee on Aviation to engage immediately with airline operators and relevant government bodies and submit a report within seven days.
An amendment to the motion further called on the Federal Government to slash airport charges by 50 percent throughout the Yuletide period and explore temporary tax incentives for aviation companies as part of broader efforts to make air travel more affordable for Nigerians.
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