The Nigerian Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), along with key industry stakeholders, for an urgent session following widespread public concern over the sharp rise in domestic airfares.

During plenary, senators decried the soaring ticket prices on major routes, including Abuja–Lagos, Abuja–Enugu, and Abuja–Ilorin, noting that fares have surged to between ₦400,000 and ₦650,000—an amount unaffordable for many Nigerians.

In its resolutions, the Senate:

• Condemned the sudden and excessive increase in airfares nationwide.
• Mandated the immediate summoning of all relevant aviation stakeholders.
• Called for urgent measures to prevent exploitation and ensure affordable travel, particularly during the yuletide season.
• Directed aviation committees to present recommendations at the next plenary.

The motion was presented by Abdulfatai Buhari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, who highlighted that the fare hikes have prevented many Nigerians from traveling. He cited examples such as Abuja–Lagos tickets costing ₦400,000–₦650,000, Abuja–Enugu around ₦500,000, and Abuja–Ilorin about ₦450,000.

Senators noted that previous fares were far lower. Peter Nwebonyi pointed out that flights previously costing ₦150,000 to Enugu now sell for ₦500,000, while a Lagos–Abuja ticket was purchased at ₦560,000. Solomon Adeola stressed that airlines, which have already received multiple concessions—especially on spare parts—should be accountable for the current surge.

While Orji Uzor Kalu attempted to justify the increases due to operational costs, inflation, spare parts, and forex challenges, many lawmakers described the fares as blatant exploitation. Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized:

“The minimum wage is ₦70,000. A civil servant would need to save six months’ salary to afford a one-way ticket. This is glaring exploitation.”

Akpabio added that there had been no corresponding rise in airport levies or service charges to justify a 200–300% spike in ticket prices.

Following a robust debate, the Senate resolved to summon all aviation stakeholders—including the Minister of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and airline operators—for an emergency meeting this week. The Red Chamber urged the Minister to act decisively to curb what it termed “unwarranted extortion.”

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation has been tasked with notifying all parties and ensuring the emergency session convenes without delay.