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Nigerian senators have called for an immediate halt to the recent rise in domestic airfares, with one-way ticket prices climbing to between N460,000 and N700,000, depending on the destination.

This request was made during Tuesday’s plenary session in the Red Chamber, as senators proposed a motion to summon the country's aviation minister, Festus Keyamo, SAN, to provide an explanation for the increase in airfare.

Supporting the motion, Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central, noted that the air ticket from Abuja to his state has surged to approximately N700,000, expressing concern that such prices are unaffordable for many Nigerians.

“The airfare is excessively high. Traveling to Kebbi myself costs nearly N700,000. This is simply not affordable,” he stated.

“There has not been a corresponding rise in aviation fuel and airport fees. Therefore, we need to summon all stakeholders and question them regarding the reason for this hike,” he added.

Senator Onyekaci Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North, also expressed his astonishment at the ticket price for a one-way trip from Abuja to Enugu, which is between N460,000 and N500,000.

“I asked my personal assistant to book a ticket for me for December 13th from Abuja to Enugu. To my surprise, the fare for a one-way ticket from Abuja to Enugu is N500,000 with Air Peace and N460,000 for Ibom Air. This is unprecedented,” he remarked.

In a similar vein, Senator Abdulfatari Buhari from Oyo lamented the excessive costs associated with traveling in Nigeria.

“Nigerians are struggling to travel from one location to another, Mr. President. Can you believe that fares from Abuja to Lagos range from N400,000 to N650,000, while from Enugu it is about N500,000, and even from Abuja to Ilorin is N550,000? Upon noticing these prices, the committee decided to investigate further, and we found that many cannot afford to travel, especially with the festive season approaching,” he stated.

“Mr. President (Senate President Godswill Akpabio), it is crucial that we intervene to assist Nigerians during this upcoming festive season, as many wish to travel, particularly since our roads are becoming increasingly difficult for travel. We have decided to engage with airline owners; they have also had a few discussions on this matter.”

Earlier, DAILY POST reported on the escalating air ticket prices.

The increase in airfare comes at a time when many Nigerians are preparing to travel for the festive season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the senators to demand a suspension of the airfare hike?

Senators called for a suspension due to the significant increase in domestic airfares, which have risen to between N460,000 and N700,000 for one-way tickets, making travel unaffordable for many Nigerians.

What specific concerns did the senators express regarding the airfare prices?

Senators highlighted that there has not been a corresponding increase in aviation fuel and airport charges, questioning the rationale behind the price hikes. They expressed concern for the affordability of travel, especially as the festive season approaches.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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