Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has appealed to domestic airlines to avoid raising airfares or suspending operations despite a sharp surge in aviation fuel costs.
In a letter addressed to the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, the minister acknowledged the severe operational pressure facing airlines following the rise in Jet A1 fuel from ₦900 per litre in late February to about ₦3,300 per litre, representing a 300 percent increase.
He commended the resilience of local carriers but urged them to exercise restraint in adjusting ticket prices, warning that higher fares could worsen the burden on passengers, reduce demand, and limit access to air travel for many Nigerians.
The minister also cautioned against any planned suspension of flight operations, noting that such a move would disrupt economic activities, weaken critical transport networks, and undermine ongoing reforms in the aviation sector under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Mr. Keyamo assured operators that the Federal Government is taking their concerns seriously and is working toward immediate solutions.
He disclosed that an emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled for April 22 in Abuja to bring together key industry players and regulators to find a practical and lasting resolution to the crisis.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen