The Nigerian Senate has condemned the recent surge in domestic airfares and summoned the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, alongside major stakeholders in the aviation industry, to appear before it for urgent explanations.
The decision followed concerns raised by lawmakers over what they described as “sudden and arbitrary” increases in ticket prices on local routes, which they said are placing an unbearable burden on Nigerians already struggling with high living costs.
During plenary, senators noted that air travel, once considered a viable alternative to Nigeria’s poor road network, is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many citizens. They warned that unchecked fare hikes could further limit mobility, harm business activities and undermine economic recovery.
The Senate said the hearing would explore possible policy interventions, including fare regulation, improved competition, and government support mechanisms to stabilise the sector.
The development comes amid growing public complaints over airfare spikes, particularly during peak travel periods, with some routes recording steep increases within days.
The Senate said it expects clear answers and actionable solutions from the aviation authorities and industry players when they appear, warning that further legislative steps may follow if Nigerians continue to face exploitative pricing in the domestic aviation market.
