The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to cut airport charges by 50 per cent and provide tax incentives to aviation companies to make air travel more affordable during the festive season.
It also called for the creation of a transparent assessment system to determine the true minimum operational costs for airlines, and for the government to work with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to prioritise the allocation of foreign exchange to airline operators at concessionary rates.
Additionally, the House directed its Committee on Aviation to engage with airline operators and the executive arm of government on the skyrocketing cost of air tickets during the Christmas period and to report back within seven days for further legislative action.
These resolutions followed the adoption of an urgent motion sponsored by Obinna Aguocha, who represents Umuahia/Ikwuano Federal Constituency of Abia State. Presenting the motion, Aguocha noted that Christmas is traditionally a period for family reunions, but the soaring price of air tickets has made travel increasingly unaffordable.
He lamented that many Nigerians can no longer afford to visit home “where shared laughter and family connections are meant to thrive,” due to the prohibitive cost of flights.
Aguocha acknowledged the challenges aviation operators face—such as high Jet A1 fuel prices and currency fluctuations—but urged them to consider the wider social consequences of their pricing. He emphasized that the drive for profit must not override the cultural values that bind Nigerians together.
He argued that temporarily reducing fares would demonstrate national solidarity and social responsibility, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of income, can travel home during the festive season.
Aguocha also called on the Federal Government and the Minister of Aviation to support the aviation sector as they did with road transport operators last year, stressing that aviation is vital for family reunification and national connectivity.
Describing the surge in airfares as a threat to cherished festive traditions, he urged immediate intervention.
Presiding, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu directed the House Committee on Aviation to meet with airline operators and the Aviation Minister and report back within a week.