Isaac Samuel
The House of Representatives Thursday engaged in a robust debate over the sharp increase in domestic airline ticket fares ahead of the festive season
The lawmakers expressed concern over the impact on Nigerians during the festive season and clashing over how best to address the issue.
The House, however, urged the Federal Government to reduce airport charges by 50 per cent during the festive season and cut taxes for aviation companies.
The lawmakers said this is in a bid to ease the burden of soaring domestic airline ticket fares on Nigerians.
The resolutions come after the House rejected a proposal for direct subsidies to airlines, which had been suggested as a way to lower ticket prices temporarily.
The lawmakers expressed concern that such palliatives would strain public finances and set an unsustainable precedent.
The House made the recommendation sequel to a motion of urgent national importance moved by the lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State Hon. Obinna Aguocha during plenary session presided over by deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu. .
Presenting the motion, Aguocha noted that the Christmas season is traditionally a time for reunion, reflection and joy but now looms under the weight of economic challenges that have made travel increasingly prohibitive.
He argued that the soaring costs of domestic air travel have created a barrier preventing many from returning to their ancestral homes, where shared laughter and family connections are meant to thrive and improve our self-worth.
He, however, admitted the myriad of challenges faced by airline operators, ranging from high JetAl fuel prices to excessive currency fluctuations.
The lawmaker warned that the insatiable pursuit of profit should not come at the expense of the cultural bonds that define us as Nigerians, noting that by temporarily reducing fares during this critical period.
Contributing to the debate, lawmaker representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Clement Chimbo said. expressed support for Aguocha’s motion.
He said for the past one or two years, fuel prices have been relatively stable, adding that what the airlines have done in the past 12 months is completely uncalled for.
Chimbo called on the House to summon the Aviation Minister to explain the fare increases.
On his part, Ahmed Yinka representing Ilorin East/Ilorin South, highlighted that the cost of even short domestic trips has become disproportionately high.
He noted that levies imposed on airlines contribute significantly to fares, suggesting that a detailed review of these charges could help reduce ticket prices.
The lawmaker representing Katagum Federal Constituency, Auwalu Gwalabe (Katagum) stressed operational challenges faced by airlines, including adverse weather conditions that extend flight times, increased fuel consumption due to flight diversions, higher landing fees, and limited radar coverage.
He said, “My colleague has just spoke on the latest charges that have been increased by the aviation authority. Landing cost has been increased. Even staying on the air has increased because we don’t have the full total radar coverage.
“Every aircraft now today in Nigeria uses this dashboard to get a landing permission. Our total radar coverage in Nigeria does not completely operate fully
“And because of the security threat that we have, airlines have to be diverted to stay on the air for a very long time. And that consumes fuel for them. So I would want to suggest that, as my colleague has said, we should as well consider calling on the aviation authorities to reduce the cost so that the airline operators will not be adding cost every day on our flights.”
Speaking, Aliyu Bappa Misau argued that airline operators are running businesses that require covering the full cost of operations, including staff salaries, maintenance, and foreign exchange.
“Market forces, not subsidies, should determine ticket prices,” he said.
Member representing Keffi/Karu/Kokona, Nasarawa, Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi echoed this view, stating that imported aircraft components and manpower costs justify higher fares.
He also cautioned against blanket subsidies, noting that if air travel were subsidized, similar demands could arise for road and rail transport, straining government resources.
But Esset Udo rejected the operators’ justifications while labeling the hikes as exploitation of Nigerians.
He argued that security concerns on land routes have increased demand for air travel, allowing airlines to inflate prices.
Udo called for immediate regulatory engagement with operators to protect consumers.
On his part, member representing, Aniocha/Oshimili, Delta, Lawrence Okolie, stressed the need for alternative travel options.
He urged the Ministry of Works to repair roads so more Nigerians could travel safely by land, thereby reducing pressure on airlines.
Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda , advised that subsidies may temporarily alleviate the problem, but they do not address the root causes.
“We need a functional national carrier and safer roads. Palliative measures alone are not a solution,” he said.
After the debate, the House urged the Federal Government to reduce taxes for aviation companies and cut airport charges by 50 per cent during the Yuletide season.
