Nigerian Senate Demands Answers as Domestic Airfares Hit Record High

Nigeria’s Senate has issued a firm summons to Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Association of Airline Owners, following what lawmakers describe as a shocking and unjustifiable escalation in domestic airfare prices.

During Tuesday’s plenary, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC–Oyo), who chairs the Senate Committee on Aviation, raised the alarm over what he called an “astronomical” surge in ticket prices, warning that millions of Nigerians may be stranded during the upcoming festive season.

Buhari recounted his own experience:
“I flew from Lagos to Abuja, and it cost N400,000. For the past two months, Nigerians have been suffering. Our roads are unsafe, and now air travel is beyond reach. We must act urgently before Christmas.”

Senator Adamu Aliero (APC–Kebbi) described the situation as outrageous, noting that some fares have risen by more than 200%, a level he said amounts to “pure exploitation.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio added his voice, citing a recent N500,000 Abuja–Enugu fare.
“That is equivalent to five months of minimum wage. Nigerians simply cannot afford this,” he said.

However, the chamber was not unanimous. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC–Abia) opposed the motion, arguing that while it appeared appealing, it did not reflect the operational realities of airline owners.

The Senate is now preparing for a decisive inquiry as the Aviation Committee prepares to grill industry regulators and operators on the sudden price spike and possible solutions.