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The Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and major aviation stakeholders over the sharp rise in domestic airfares, following growing public anger across the country.
The decision came after a motion by Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, who warned that the escalating ticket prices pose a national mobility risk and could disrupt travel ahead of the festive season.
Senator Buhari told lawmakers that Nigerians are struggling as domestic flight prices continue to surge. He noted that a one-way ticket from Abuja to Lagos now sells for N400,000 to N600,000, placing air travel far beyond the reach of many citizens.
Lawmakers argued that the situation is even more troubling given the deteriorating state of major highways and rising insecurity, which leave travellers with fewer alternatives.
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Senator Adamu Aliero described the fare hike as unacceptable, while Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi criticised what he called an unprecedented 400% increase. He questioned the delayed establishment of a national carrier and urged Minister Keyamo to act swiftly.
Senator Solomon Olamilekan noted that airlines have already benefited from government concessions, especially on spare parts, insisting that operators must justify the sudden surge in ticket prices.
However, Senator Orji Kalu said airlines may be reacting to higher operational costs, including the rising cost of aviation components — an argument that several lawmakers rejected.
The Senate resolved that Keyamo, airline operators, regulators and other key players must appear before its committees within the week to explain the fare increases and outline immediate measures to stabilise prices before holiday travel peaks.
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