By Muhammad Mamman
The Senate has sharply condemned the sudden and steep rise in domestic airfares across the country, summoning the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, alongside key players in the aviation sector, to appear before it for urgent clarifications.
The resolution followed a motion raised during plenary, in which lawmakers expressed concern over what they described as an “unjustifiable and alarming” hike in ticket prices by domestic airlines. Senators argued that the increases were placing unbearable pressure on travellers, businesses and the wider economy.
The Senate noted that many Nigerians now struggle to afford air travel—once considered a viable alternative to long and insecure road journeys. Lawmakers warned that the trend, if unchecked, could further dampen economic activity and disrupt mobility across various sectors.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Committee on Aviation to summon Keyamo without delay, along with airline operators, aviation regulatory agencies and other relevant stakeholders. The committee is expected to investigate the factors driving the surge in ticket prices and recommend measures to stabilise fares.
Lawmakers criticised what they perceived as poor transparency in the operational cost structure of airlines, insisting that Nigerians deserve clear explanations and immediate relief.
The Senate further urged the executive arm to address longstanding challenges affecting the aviation industry, including foreign exchange constraints, high operational costs and inadequate infrastructure—factors operators often cite as reasons for fare adjustments.
Keyamo and industry stakeholders are expected to appear before the Senate committee in the coming days as legislators move to ensure more affordable and sustainable air travel for Nigerians.
