Concern groups in Nigeria have called on the Federal Government to urgently roll out innovative support measures for domestic airlines amid growing concerns over a possible increase in airfares.
This follows comments by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who hinted at a potential hike in ticket prices to keep airlines operational, as well as warnings by Dr Allen Onyema that operators may suspend flights if the crisis surrounding aviation fuel pricing persists.
Speaking in response to the development, the President of the Global Peace Movement International, Dr Mike Uyi said the Federal Government must move beyond short-term fixes and adopt sustainable strategies to support local carriers, describing the aviation sector as critical to national mobility and economic stability.
Uyi warned that Nigeria must not become vulnerable to external shocks, particularly in the global oil market, noting that as a crude oil-dependent economy, the country needs to establish buffers that can cushion the impact of international crises on key sectors like aviation.
According to him, the rising cost of Jet A1 fuel and the likelihood of increased airfares would place additional strain on Nigerians, especially those who rely on air travel due to growing insecurity on the nation’s highways.
Dr. Uyi, however, commended Dr Allen Onyenma, Air Peace and other domestic airline operators for their resilience and continued investment in Nigeria despite prevailing economic challenges. He particularly praised their commitment to sustaining operations under difficult conditions, noting that such faith in the country’s economy deserves deliberate government backing.
Also speaking, the Chairman, The International Watchers, Dr Olusegun Ademola aligned with the concerns raised by Onyema, stressing that the warning issued by airline operators should not be ignored, as a shutdown of domestic flights would have far-reaching consequences for business, emergency travel, and national connectivity.
To address the crisis, Dr Adebola proposed a range of support measures the government could consider, including targeted subsidies on Jet A1 fuel, access to low-interest intervention loans, and tax relief for airline operators. He also suggested the creation of a special aviation support fund, improved access to foreign exchange for critical imports, and investment in local refining capacity to reduce dependence on imported aviation fuel.
Other recommendations include the implementation of price stabilization mechanisms for aviation fuel, reduction of multiple taxation across the aviation value chain, and incentives for airlines investing in fleet expansion and maintenance infrastructure within the country.
Dr. Adebola emphasized that timely intervention would not only prevent a shutdown of airline operations but also strengthen the aviation sector against future shocks.
He urged all stakeholders, including regulators and marketers, to act in good faith and prioritize national interest as discussions continue on resolving the pricing impasse.
