FG summons emergency meeting with airline operators over aviation fuel hike

The Nigerian Federal Government, through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, is actively intervening to prevent a shutdown of domestic flight operations. Minister Festus Keyamo's appeal to airlines to suspend planned disruptions and reconsider fare increases highlights the administration's commitment to maintaining air connectivity, a vital artery for Nigeria's economy.

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I write in reference to your correspondence dated April 14, 2026, concerning the operational challenges currently confronting your member airlines, especially the sudden hike in Jet A1 fuel from N900 per litre as at February 28, 2026 to N3,300 per litre as at today, representing a 300% increase.

The dramatic surge in Jet A1 fuel prices, from N900 to N3,300 per litre, presents a significant challenge for carriers. Keyamo's acknowledgment of the airlines' resilience and the difficult operating environment demonstrates an understanding of their plight. However, the government's stance prioritizes the broader economic implications, including trade facilitation, national security, and employment, which are intrinsically linked to the aviation sector's stability.

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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.

This situation underscores the delicate balance the government must strike between supporting the aviation industry and protecting the traveling public from excessive costs. The planned emergency stakeholders' meeting signifies a proactive approach to finding a sustainable solution. From a Nigerian perspective, ensuring affordable and reliable air travel is not just a matter of convenience but a critical component of national integration and economic development, especially given the country's vast geography. The government's intervention aims to avert a crisis that could severely impact businesses and citizens alike, reflecting a deep concern for the sector's role in President Bola Tinubu's administration's economic agenda.

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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.