Keyamo calls for calm as government moves to resolve 300% surge in aviation fuel prices….
Nigeria’s federal government has stepped in to prevent a looming shutdown of domestic air travel, urging airlines to maintain operations and avoid raising ticket prices despite surging fuel costs.
In a formal response to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo appealed for restraint following a sharp spike in the price of Jet A1 fuel.
The minister acknowledged the scale of the crisis, noting that aviation fuel prices have jumped from about ₦900 per litre in late February to over ₦3,300 per litre, a surge of roughly 300 percent that has placed severe pressure on airline operations.
Government calls for restraint
Despite the cost burden, Keyamo urged airline operators to avoid immediate fare increases, warning that higher ticket prices could worsen the situation for both passengers and the industry.
He noted that a sudden hike in airfares would likely reduce passenger demand and make air travel less accessible to many Nigerians already facing economic pressures.
At the same time, the minister cautioned against any move to suspend flight operations, describing such action as potentially damaging to the economy.
A shutdown, he said, could disrupt critical transport networks, affect business activities, and undermine confidence in the aviation sector.
Assurance of urgent intervention
Keyamo assured operators that the concerns raised have received the attention of the federal government, adding that steps are already being taken to address the situation.
He emphasized that the aviation sector remains a strategic priority under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, given its importance to trade, security, employment, and economic integration.
As part of efforts to find a lasting solution, the government has scheduled a high-level stakeholders’ meeting for April 22 in Abuja.
The meeting is expected to bring together regulators, airline operators, fuel marketers, and other key players to agree on practical measures to stabilise the sector.
A sector under pressure
The minister’s intervention comes just days after airlines warned they could halt operations from April 20 if fuel prices remain unchanged.
With tensions rising across the industry, all eyes are now on the outcome of the planned talks, which could determine whether Nigeria avoids a major disruption to domestic air travel.
