By Omoniyi David
The Senate on Tuesday condemned the sharp rise in domestic airfares and summoned the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, along with heads of aviation agencies and major airline operators.
Lawmakers described the surge as “glaring exploitation” of Nigerian travellers.
During plenary, senators expressed outrage at ticket prices on key routes: Abuja-Lagos (₦400,000-₦650,000), Abuja-Enugu (₦500,000), and Abuja-Ilorin (₦450,000).
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, said many travellers were cancelling trips due to the prohibitive costs, urging urgent intervention ahead of the Christmas season.
Senator Peter Nwebonyi noted that a ticket to Enugu previously sold for ₦150,000 now costs nearly ₦500,000, while Abuja-Lagos surged to ₦560,000.
Senator Solomon Adeola criticised airlines for hiking fares despite receiving concessions on spare parts and fuel, calling the practice “crushing” and demanding accountability.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu cited inflation, aviation fuel costs, and foreign exchange pressures as reasons for the increase, but most senators rejected the explanation as extortionate.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the fares were “unacceptable,” highlighting that a civil servant earning ₦70,000 would need six months’ salary for a one-way ticket.
The Senate resolved to hold an emergency meeting with the Minister of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and airline operators.
Lawmakers stressed that immediate relief measures must be outlined and arbitrary fare increases curtailed, ensuring domestic travel remains accessible during the yuletide season.
