REPS URGES FG TO GRANT AIRFLIGHTS TAX WAIVERS
Read Time:2 Minute, 25 Second
The House of Representatives has expressed worry about the big increase in domestic flight prices before the 2025 holiday season. They warned that this trend could create serious problems for safety as millions of Nigerians plan to travel around the country.
On Thursday’s meeting, the House asked the federal government to offer tax breaks to airlines and to cut airport fees by 50% during the holidays.
This is meant to help travelers with their costs.
This decision came after changes were made to a motion that is very important for the public.
“The exorbitant rise of airline ticket cost and the consequential impact on security of lives, air ambulance cost,” sponsored by Abia lawmaker, Obinna Aguocha.
For many years, flying within Nigeria has had frequent price increases, especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas. These price hikes are caused by high demand, more expensive jet fuel, a lack of foreign currency for keeping airplanes in good condition, and fewer airlines actually running flights.
As the holiday season gets closer, many travelers are facing sudden and big increases in flight prices. This has made them choose to travel by road instead of by air, even though there are serious safety issues on major highways.
Aguocha said that Christmas is a time for families to come together and enjoy each other‘s company, but he also warned that the 2025 holidays could be affected by tough economic conditions.
He pointed out that the big rise in domestic flight costs has made it hard for many Nigerians to afford traveling back home for the holidays.
According to him, the current pricing environment has created “an economic barrier” preventing families from uniting during the festive season despite its cultural importance.
While acknowledging the operational challenges facing airlines—including high Jet A1 costs and severe exchange-rate volatility—Aguocha urged operators to consider the broader national impact of their pricing models.
He said, “The insatiable pursuit of profit should not come at the expense of the cultural bonds that define us as Nigerians. Temporarily reducing fares during this critical period would demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and national solidarity. Such an act would reaffirm to all citizens that the journey home is a fundamental right, accessible to every Nigerian, regardless of financial status.”
Aguocha further cautioned that the airfare trend is undermining national cohesion.
“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.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to prioritise the allocation of foreign exchange at concessionary rates to airline operators.
It also mandated its Committee on Aviation to interface with the operators and the executive arm of government, and to report back within seven days for further legislative action.
HOTJIST NEWS
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0