In recent weeks, Nigerian travellers have been confronted with a painful reality: domestic airfares have skyrocketed to unprecedented levels. Tickets that once cost between ₦80,000 and ₦150,000 on popular routes such as Lagos–Abuja suddenly jumped to ₦400,000 to ₦650,000, depending on the day and airline.
The backlash from citizens, consumer groups and civil society prompted swift action from lawmakers — leading the Nigerian Senate to summon the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, alongside heads of key aviation regulatory agencies and airline operators.
🚨 What Triggered the Senate’s Intervention?
The Senate describes the price hikes as “exploitative, unjustifiable and unacceptable,” noting that the current surge came without a corresponding increase in aviation charges or operational fees.
At the heart of the issue is one concern: air travel is becoming inaccessible for the average Nigerian — including civil servants, small business owners, and families trying to travel for the holidays.
For many, air travel is no longer a luxury; it’s a safer alternative to increasingly insecure highways. The Senate argues that if prices remain at current levels, millions of Nigerians will be effectively cut off from safe mobility.
🏛️ Who Was Summoned — And Why?
Among those expected to appear before the Senate Committee on Aviation are:
- Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
- Heads of FAAN, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria
- The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
- Airline operators and CEOs of major local carriers
They will be required to provide:
- A clear explanation for the sudden price hikes
- Evidence of cost drivers, if the increases are legitimate
- An immediate strategy for stabilizing or reducing fares ahead of the yuletide travel rush
💼 What’s Driving the Price Spike?
While airlines point to rising dollar costs, fuel expenses, aircraft maintenance challenges and limited operational fleets, critics say the increases do not match the level of escalation now seen in ticket prices.
Some analysts believe the price hike is also tied to:
- Increasing dollar scarcity
- Reduced competition in the airline market
- Excessive demand ahead of holiday travel
- Airlines attempting to recoup earlier operational losses
The Senate’s intervention seeks to cut through this haze and demand transparency.
🎄 Why This Matters Now
With the Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, millions of Nigerians will be on the move. Traditionally, the period witnesses a surge in travel—both by road and by air.
But with general insecurity on major highways, many families rely heavily on air travel for safety. This makes the current fare spike not just an economic issue, but a public safety concern.
🔮 What Can Travellers Expect Next?
The Senate has signaled urgency. The summons is expected to result in:
- A public hearing into pricing practices
- Possible temporary price interventions
- Stronger regulatory oversight of airline pricing
- A demand for transparent cost breakdowns from operators
In the long term, the situation could trigger reforms in airline competition, regulation, and fuel supply.
✏️ Final Thoughts
Nigeria’s aviation industry is critical—not just for business mobility but for national unity, safety, and economic growth. While airlines struggle with legitimate operational challenges, the consumer must remain at the center of aviation policy.
The Senate’s move signals that the era of unchecked airfare inflation may be coming to an end. But whether this leads to real relief for passengers remains to be seen.
References
- BusinessDay Nigeria – “Senate summons Keyamo, FAAN, NCAA over soaring airfare crisis.” Published December 9, 2025. Link
- The Guardian Nigeria – “Senate condemns, summons aviation minister over airfare hikes.” Published December 9, 2025. Link
- Vanguard Nigeria – “Senate summons Keyamo, NCAA, FAAN, airline owners over soaring airfares.” Published December 9, 2025. Link
- ThisDay Live – “Senate moves to halt exploitative airfare surge, summons Keyamo, airlines.” Published December 10, 2025. Link
- Telegraph Nigeria – “Senate summons aviation minister over soaring domestic airfares.” Published December 9, 2025. Link
- Channels TV – “Senate summons aviation minister over surging airfare costs.” Published December 9, 2025. Link
