Senate Summons Aviation Minister Keyamo Over Surging Domestic Airfares

The Nigerian Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, alongside major industry stakeholders, following nationwide outrage over the sharp increase in domestic airfares.

Lawmakers expressed deep concern that the soaring ticket prices could disrupt national mobility and place an additional burden on Nigerians during the festive travel period. The call for urgent action came after a motion raised by Senator Buhari Abdulfatai (APC–Oyo), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, who warned that the escalating fares threaten not only the ease of travel but also economic and social stability. He described the situation as “unacceptable” and urged immediate intervention to prevent further hardship for citizens. During the debate, Senator Abdulfatai highlighted the growing frustration among Nigerians over what he described as “outrageous” airfare hikes. Reports indicate that a one-way ticket from Abuja to Lagos now ranges between ₦400,000 and ₦600,000, while other major routes in the South‑South and South‑East have seen similar spikes. These increases represent rises of over 150 % to 400 % compared to pre-festive season rates, far exceeding typical seasonal adjustments Senator Abdulfatai emphasized that the spike in airfares comes at a time when many Nigerians already face significant economic challenges. He noted that for many, such costs are beyond reach, forcing travelers to either delay their journeys or seek less safe alternatives. “With worsening insecurity on major highways and rising transportation costs, Nigerians are left with very few safe and affordable options. This is why immediate intervention is critical,” he said The Senate has summoned Minister Keyamo, representatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and executives of leading airlines to appear before the Aviation Committee. Lawmakers intend to interrogate the reasons behind the sudden fare increases and demand actionable solutions to stabilize ticket prices ahead of the Christmas and New Year travel rush. Senators have described the current fare situation as exploitative, warning that without regulation or oversight, ordinary Nigerians could be priced out of domestic air travel entirely. They also questioned why the fares continue to rise despite prior government interventions, including concessions and regulatory adjustments intended to ease operational costs for airlines. Public reaction to the fare hikes has been largely critical. Many travelers have taken to social media to express frustration, with some describing the current airfare levels as “astronomical” and “unjustifiable.” Analysts suggest that the surge in prices may partly be due to increased demand during the festive season, rising fuel costs, and operational challenges within the aviation sector. However, lawmakers insist that such factors cannot justify the extent of the price increases currently being charged. The Senate has made it clear that it expects a detailed explanation from all summoned stakeholders and immediate steps to ensure affordability for travelers. The Aviation Committee’s upcoming session is anticipated to be rigorous, with lawmakers signaling a readiness to recommend sanctions or policy interventions if airlines fail to justify the hikes or take corrective action. With millions of Nigerians planning to travel during the festive period, the outcome of this Senate intervention could significantly impact domestic travel, ticket pricing, and public confidence in the aviation sector. Observers note that how swiftly and transparently the government and airline operators respond may define public perception of accountability and fairness in the country’s aviation industry.