Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has appealed to domestic airlines to suspend plans to increase airfares or halt operations following a sharp rise in aviation fuel prices.
The minister’s intervention comes amid threats by the Airline Operators of Nigeria to shut down flight services next week over the soaring cost of Jet A1 fuel, which has surged by over 300 percent—from about N900 per litre in late February to above N3,000, currently estimated at N3,300 per litre.
In a letter dated April 16, 2026, addressed to the airline body, Keyamo acknowledged the severe operational challenges confronting operators. He commended their resilience and professionalism in sustaining air transport services under difficult conditions.
“At the outset, I wish to commend the resilience, professionalism, and steadfast commitment of your members in sustaining air transport services under evidently difficult conditions,” he stated.
Keyamo emphasized that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu views aviation as a critical national asset, citing its importance in trade, national security, employment, and economic integration.
Despite recognizing the mounting cost pressures on airlines, the minister urged operators to exercise restraint in transferring the burden to passengers.
“While the prevailing cost pressures on your operations are fully acknowledged, any immediate upward adjustment in ticket prices would impose significant hardship on the traveling public, potentially depress demand, and limit accessibility to air transport,” he warned.
He also cautioned against any suspension of flight operations, noting that such action could disrupt mobility, weaken public confidence, and negatively impact the broader economy.
“Such action would have far-reaching adverse implications for the national economy, disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, erode public confidence, and undermine the progress recorded under ongoing reforms,” Keyamo added.
To address the crisis, the minister announced an emergency stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for April 22, 2026, in Abuja, aimed at reaching a “prompt, practical, and sustainable resolution.”
Industry reports indicate that airline services could face disruption as early as next week if urgent measures are not taken, with operators insisting on either significant fare adjustments or government intervention to cushion the impact of the escalating fuel costs.
