The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to take urgent action to reduce the high cost of air travel in Nigeria during the Christmas and year-end holiday season. At a plenary session on Thursday, lawmakers called for a 50 per cent reduction in airport charges and tax breaks for aviation companies to help bring down the skyrocketing prices of airline tickets, which many say are placing an added financial burden on travellers.
The call followed the adoption of a motion moved by Obinna Aguocha, a lawmaker representing Abia State on the Labour Party platform, who drew attention to the sharp rise in domestic airfare costs. Mr. Aguocha described the surge in ticket prices as a serious concern for millions of Nigerians who are planning to travel home to celebrate the Yuletide season with family and loved ones. He said the increasing cost of flying has made it difficult for many to afford trips, threatening cherished traditions of reunion and family gatherings.
The lawmaker expressed concern that high travel costs not only affect ordinary passengers but also impact essential services such as air ambulances, where transport costs can be life-critical. He highlighted how economic challenges, including high aviation fuel prices and ongoing currency instability, have contributed to expense pressures for airlines, but stressed that the “insatiable pursuit of profit” should not prevent Nigerians from being able to travel home for the holidays.
Mr. Aguocha urged the government to provide the same level of support to the aviation sector that it previously offered to road transporters, suggesting that temporary fare reductions during the festive season would demonstrate social responsibility and national solidarity. He said such measures would send a clear message that the journey home is a right that should be accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of income level.
In addition to cutting airport charges and offering tax incentives for airlines, the House resolution also calls on the Central Bank of Nigeria to prioritise the allocation of foreign exchange to airlines at concessionary rates to ease some of the operational cost pressures faced by carriers. Lawmakers believe that responsive action from the government and regulators could help ease the financial strain on both passengers and operators.
Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, directed the House Committee on Aviation to engage with airline industry representatives and the Minister of Aviation to discuss possible steps that can be taken to implement the recommendations. The committee was asked to report its findings within one week for further consideration by the full House.
The appeal by Nigeria’s lawmakers comes amid growing frustration among travellers over high ticket costs, which airline industry stakeholders have also linked to multiple layers of taxation and charges applied to every ticket. Some aviation leaders have emphasised that reducing taxes and fees could significantly lower fares, a view that aligns with broader regional efforts to cut travel costs.
With the busy holiday travel period approaching, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the government will act on the House’s recommendations to ease the financial pressure of air travel and make it more affordable for holiday journeys.
