The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the steep rise in domestic airfares as Nigerians prepare for the 2025 Yuletide season, warning that the trend could pose serious security risks due to increased road travel.
During Thursday’s plenary, lawmakers urged the Federal Government to provide tax reliefs for airlines and implement a 50 per cent reduction in airport charges during the festive period to ease the financial burden on travellers.
The resolution followed amendments to a motion of urgent public importance titled “The exorbitant rise of airline ticket cost and the consequential impact on security of lives, air ambulance cost,” sponsored by Abia State lawmaker Obinna Aguocha.
For years, domestic air travel in Nigeria has been affected by frequent fare spikes, especially in the weeks leading to Christmas.
These increases are driven by rising demand, high jet fuel costs, foreign exchange scarcity for aircraft maintenance, and a limited number of operational airlines.
Many travellers are forced to abandon air travel for road journeys due to last-minute fare hikes, despite widespread security concerns on major highways.
Aguocha noted that while Christmas is a time for family reunions and celebration, rising airfare costs are effectively pricing many Nigerians out of travel.
He acknowledged the operational challenges airlines face, including high Jet A1 fuel costs and exchange-rate volatility, but urged operators to consider the broader national implications of their pricing strategies.
He said, “The pursuit of profit should not come at the expense of the cultural bonds that unite Nigerians. Temporarily reducing fares during this critical period would demonstrate social responsibility and national solidarity, ensuring that the journey home remains accessible to every citizen.”
The lawmaker further warned that the sharp increase in air travel costs threatens national cohesion during a culturally significant season.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to prioritise foreign exchange allocation to airline operators at concessionary rates.
The House Committee on Aviation was also mandated to engage with operators and the executive branch, and to report back within seven days for further legislative action.
