Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has appealed to domestic airlines to avoid raising ticket prices or suspending operations despite a steep increase in aviation fuel costs.
In a letter to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, the minister acknowledged the growing strain on carriers following a surge in the price of Jet A1 fuel—from about N900 per litre in late February to nearly N3,300 per litre, marking a 300 percent increase.
While commending local airlines for their resilience under pressure, Keyamo urged them to exercise caution in adjusting fares.
He warned that higher ticket prices could place additional financial burden on passengers, reduce travel demand, and limit accessibility to air transport for many Nigerians.
He also advised against any plans to halt flight operations, noting that such disruptions could negatively impact economic activities.
The disruptions he further noted could weaken transportation networks, and undermine ongoing aviation sector reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
To address the situation, Keyamo announced that an emergency stakeholders’ meeting will be held on April 22 in Abuja.
According to him, the meeting will bring together industry players and regulators to seek a sustainable solution to the crisis.
