Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called on the federal government to reduce aviation taxes by 50% in an effort to tackle the rising cost of domestic air travel ahead of the Christmas holiday.
The resolution followed a motion raised during Thursday’s plenary by Obi Aguocha, a Labour Party lawmaker from Abia State, who described current airfares as “exorbitant” and increasingly unaffordable for families hoping to travel for the festive season.
Aguocha said the dramatic increase in ticket prices threatened Nigeria’s cultural tradition of family reunions during Christmas. While acknowledging the challenges airlines face including high aviation fuel prices and currency instability, he argued that operators must consider the wider national impact of their pricing decisions.
He urged the aviation ministry and relevant agencies to intervene, adding that making air travel more affordable would show “social responsibility and national solidarity”.
Lawmakers expressed differing opinions on the causes of the price hikes. Some, like APC member Clement Jimbo, accused airlines of unjustified increases and called for Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo to be summoned. Others pointed to rising landing fees, fuel costs, and seasonal demand.
Several lawmakers alleged that operators were exploiting passengers, especially as insecurity on major highways continues to push more people toward air travel.
However, some members warned against excessive regulation. Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda said that demand surged because road travel has become unsafe, adding that the real focus should be improving road security. Another MP, Jonathan Gaza from the SDP, noted that Nigeria’s capitalist system makes airline subsidies rare, as most aircraft parts and services are imported at high cost.
After extensive debate, the House agreed to urge the federal government to halve aviation taxes and temporarily reduce airport charges during the festive season.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo recently said high airfares were partly caused by aircraft shortages and limited maintenance facilities. He also reiterated that the government has no authority to control or cap airline ticket prices.
Airline operators have long complained about multiple taxes. Obiorah Okonkwo, chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, has previously appealed to parliament to address the burden, saying it is a major factor driving up ticket costs.