Senate Summons Aviation Minister Over 400% Airfare Hike

Senate Summons Aviation Minister Over 400% Airfare Hike

In a dramatic move that underscores growing public frustration, the Nigerian Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation alongside key stakeholders in the aviation industry to appear before its committee.

This follows what lawmakers described as an astronomical and unacceptable surge in airfares across the country, with ticket prices reportedly rising by over 400 percent in recent months.

The Senate’s intervention comes amid mounting concerns that air travel is fast becoming unaffordable for the majority of Nigerians, effectively pushing it out of reach for ordinary citizens.

Lawmakers argue that the situation amounts to exploitation and threatens to cripple mobility, commerce, and connectivity within the nation.

The committee is expected to interrogate operators on the underlying factors driving the price escalation, probe possible regulatory lapses, and demand a clear roadmap from the government on how it intends to stabilize the sector and protect consumer.

Beyond airfare hikes, senators also raised fresh concerns about the stalled Nigeria Air project. Despite years of promises and substantial investments, the country still lacks a functional national carrier.

This has fueled skepticism about the government’s aviation strategy and its ability to deliver on long-standing commitments.

The committee intends to press for answers on why the project remains in limbo and what corrective measures will be taken to ensure accountability.

The development highlights broader challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector, including infrastructure gaps, regulatory oversight, and the economic pressures of operating in a volatile environment.

With air travel already burdened by rising fuel costs and operational inefficiencies, the Senate’s summons signals a decisive attempt to restore balance and safeguard consumer interests.

This special report captures a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s aviation history, where legislative scrutiny may determine whether the industry can be restructured to serve both national and public interests.

The outcome of the Senate hearings will likely shape the trajectory of air transport in the country for years to come.