By THE Senate has expressed strong concern over the persistent surge in domestic airfares across Nigeria, summoning the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, along with airline operators and key industry regulators, for an urgent meeting to address the situation.
Lawmakers said the rising cost of flying within the country has triggered widespread public outcry and is placing a severe strain on citizens preparing to travel during the forthcoming festive season.
The resolution followed a motion on a matter of urgent national importance moved by Senator AbdulFatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North) during Tuesday’s plenary. He warned that the escalating fares could lead to major mobility challenges and disrupt travel nationwide in the coming weeks.
According to Senator Buhari, a one-way flight ticket from Abuja to Lagos now costs between ₦400,000 and ₦600,000 — a price range many Nigerians can no longer afford.
He noted that insecurity on major highways and rail routes have driven more people towards air travel, yet the skyrocketing fares have left them with dwindling options.
“We need to invite stakeholders in the aviation sector to interact and interrogate these issues. Immediate action must be taken before the festive period,” he said.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West) argued that airline operators have already received significant waivers and concessions, especially relating to spare parts, and must therefore justify the steep fare increases.
Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central) added that summoning the minister and stakeholders was necessary to seek a workable solution to the crisis.
Also speaking, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North) described the reported 400 per cent hike as unacceptable, urging the Aviation Ministry to intervene swiftly.
He further reiterated calls for the establishment of a national carrier to improve competition and affordability.
However, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) defended the operators, citing rising operational expenses and the soaring cost of aircraft parts — a position that drew strong disagreement from several colleagues.
The Senate Committee on Aviation is expected to hold the engagement this week with a focus on stabilising airfares ahead of the peak holiday travel season.
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