Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Friday appealed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria to hold off on increasing airfares despite the sharp spike in jet fuel prices, warning that such a move would worsen the burden on Nigerian travellers.
He also convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting slated for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Abuja, bringing together key industry players and regulators to work out an urgent and sustainable solution.
The intervention follows a disagreement between AON and the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria over the rising cost of aviation fuel, triggered by the ongoing Middle East crisis.
In a letter dated April 16, 2026, and addressed to the AON president, Keyamo highlighted the operational strain on airlines caused by the sudden increase in Jet A1 fuel prices, from ₦900 per litre as of February 28, 2026, to ₦3,300 per litre currently, representing a 300 per cent jump.
“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.
“Let me reiterate that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accords the aviation sector the highest strategic importance. In line with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, the sector remains a critical national asset essential to trade facilitation, national security, employment generation, and overall economic integration. You will also acknowledge that the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated unprecedented reforms in the sector aimed at supporting the growth and sustenance of the businesses of local operators.
“In light of the foregoing, I am making the following appeals: First, I urge your members to exercise restraint with respect to any proposed increase in airfares at this time. While the prevailing cost pressures on your operations are fully acknowledged, any immediate upward adjustment in ticket prices would impose significant hardship on the travelling public, potentially depress demand, and limit accessibility to air transport for a broad segment of Nigerians.
“Second, I appeal for the reconsideration of any planned suspension of flight operations. 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 the ongoing reforms within the aviation sector.
“I wish to formally assure you that the concerns raised by your members have received the full attention of the Federal Government and we shall take immediate steps to address the issues.
“Accordingly, a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 in Abuja, bringing together all relevant stakeholders and regulatory authorities with a view to achieving a prompt, practical, and sustainable resolution. The venue and time will be communicated in due course.”
