The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to cut aviation taxes by half and reduce airport charges to make cost of flights more affordable for Nigerians during the festive period.
Lawmakers raised concerns during plenary on Thursday over the skyrocketing cost of domestic air travel.
The green chamber passed the resolution following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Obi Aguocha, a Labour Party lawmaker.
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Leading the debate, the legislator drew attention to what he described as “exorbitant” airfares that have placed a heavy burden on families hoping to reunite during the festive period.
He said Christmas, traditionally a season of joy and reconnection, now “looms under the weight of economic challenges” that have made travel increasingly prohibitive.
“The unprecedented rise in air travel costs is not a mere anomaly in the market. It poses a direct threat to the traditions that unite our society during this cherished festive season,” he said.
Aguocha acknowledged the pressures facing airline operators, from high aviation fuel prices to currency volatility, but said pricing decisions must reflect “broader national implications”, adding that the pursuit of profit “should not come at the expense of the cultural bonds that define us as Nigerians”.
He argued that temporarily reducing fares would demonstrate social responsibility and national solidarity, urging the ministry of aviation and relevant agencies to intervene.
“Such an act would reaffirm to all citizens that the journey home is a fundamental right, accessible to every Nigerian, regardless of financial status”, he said.
He told the House that the federal government intervened last year to stabilise road transport prices and said similar support should be extended to the aviation sector, which plays a critical role in “family reunification and national connectivity”.
Several lawmakers backed the motion, though with differing views on the underlying causes of the fare hikes.
Clement Jimbo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member from Akwa Ibom, said airline operators “should be called to order”, saying unchecked increases were unjustifiable.
He said Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, should be summoned to explain the incessant hike in airfares.
Auwalu Gwalabe, a PDP lawmaker from Bauchi, noted that landing fees and fuel costs had risen sharply, urging regulators to intervene and reduce operational charges.
Mark Esset, APC legislator from Akwa Ibom, accused airlines of exploiting travellers during festive seasons.
“Considering the insecurity [on roads], the operators are using this opportunity to exploit us. We cannot pretend like we don’t know what is happening.”
Kingsley Chinda, the minority leader, rejected calls for subsidies, saying cost should be determined by demand and supply dynamics.
He said insecurity on major highways is driving up airfare costs as more people are buying tickets and abandoning road transport.
“The pressure on the airlines is massive because the roads are not safe. We should be talking about road safety and addressing the root cause,” Chinda said.
Following extensive debate, Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, who presided over the session ruled on an amendment, urging the federal government to cut aviation taxes by half and reduce airport charges during the festive season.
