The House of Representatives on Thursday refused to approve subsidies for airline operators as a measure to reduce airfares during the festive season.
Instead, lawmakers urged the federal government to review and lower specific airport charges, which they said significantly drive up ticket prices and operational costs for domestic carriers.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Obinna Aguocha (LP, Abia), highlighting the escalating cost of airline tickets and its impact on public safety and family mobility.
Members also called for the establishment of a transparent mechanism to assess the minimum operational costs of airlines during the yuletide period, ensuring fare adjustments reflect actual expenditure rather than arbitrary pricing.
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Leading the debate, Aguocha said the prohibitive cost of domestic air travel was affecting millions of Nigerian families, noting that the Christmas season, traditionally a period of reunion and joy, was now overshadowed by economic pressures that make travel inaccessible for many.
He argued that high jet fuel prices and currency fluctuations were among the burdens faced by airline operators, but urged them to be mindful of the cultural impact of skyrocketing prices.
He stressed that profit-making should not erode the social fabric of family connections, suggesting that a temporary fare reduction would reflect corporate social responsibility and national solidarity.
He also urged the government to extend support to the aviation sector, similar to last year’s intervention for road transport operators.
However, Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo), in his contribution, faulted the call for air travel subsidies, insisting that aviation is a business venture and should not be subsidised.
He argued that about 90 percent of Nigerians rely on road and rail transport, making it more reasonable for the government to focus on subsidising road travel instead of airfare.
