Senate Vs. Soaring Airfares: Keyamo Called To Explain Sky-High Flights

The Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, along with key stakeholders in the aviation sector, for an urgent session following widespread public outrage over the sharp increase in domestic airfares across the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The move came after Senator Buhari Abdulfatai raised a motion on Tuesday, warning that the sudden surge in ticket prices threatens nationwide mobility and could lead to significant travel disruptions in the coming days.

During the debate, Senator Buhari highlighted that Nigerians have been grappling with escalating domestic flight costs for months. He noted that a one-way ticket from Abuja to Lagos now ranges between ₦400,000 and ₦600,000—prices he described as unaffordable for many citizens.

He emphasized that the situation is especially concerning given the rising insecurity and challenges of traveling by road. “We need to invite stakeholders from our airline agencies to engage and address these issues. Immediate action must be taken before the festive period,” he said.

Senators Condemn 400% Fare Hike
Several lawmakers echoed similar concerns during the session. Senator Adamu Aliero called the steep fare increase unacceptable, while Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi decried what he described as an unprecedented 400% hike.

Nwebonyi also criticized the prolonged delay in establishing a national carrier, insisting that Nigeria is long overdue for one, and urged the aviation minister to “rise to the occasion.”

Senator Solomon Olamilekan argued that airline operators, who have already benefited from concessions such as relief on spare parts costs, should be held accountable for the current fare escalation.

Meanwhile, Senator Orji Kalu defended the airlines, citing rising operational expenses and increased costs of spare parts, but his defense drew strong pushback from other lawmakers.

Following deliberations, the Senate resolved that Keyamo, airline operators, regulators, and other industry stakeholders must appear before its relevant committees this week to explain the soaring airfares.