By Muhammad Mamman
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to introduce urgent tax waivers for airlines as domestic and international airfares continue to surge ahead of the Yuletide season.
Lawmakers raised the alarm during Tuesday’s plenary, warning that skyrocketing ticket prices risk placing severe financial strain on millions of Nigerians travelling for Christmas and New Year festivities. They noted that many families may be unable to reunite due to what they described as “unprecedented and prohibitive” air transport costs.
According to the lawmakers, a temporary suspension or reduction of specific aviation-related taxes and levies—particularly on Jet A-1 fuel, landing and parking charges, and statutory fees—would help airlines reduce operational expenses and, in turn, lower ticket prices for passengers.
The motion stressed that Nigeria’s current economic pressures, including inflation and high energy costs, have significantly driven up the cost of air travel. Legislators argued that targeted government intervention is essential to stabilise the sector during the festive period when demand traditionally peaks.
They further urged regulators and aviation agencies to engage airlines on transparent pricing mechanisms to prevent arbitrary fare hikes that exploit seasonal demand.
The House concluded by mandating its Committees on Aviation and Finance to liaise with relevant ministries and agencies to explore immediate relief measures for both operators and travellers.
