By Christiana Ekpa
The House Representatives has asked the Federal Government to prioritise the allocation of foreign exchange at concessionary rates for airline operators.
The lawmakers equally urged the Federal Government to reduce all airport charges by 50 percent to enable airline operators to slash air ticket prices during the festive period.
The House resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance on the exorbitant rise in airline ticket costs and its consequential impact on the security of lives, particularly the cost of air ambulances, sponsored by Hon. Obinna Aguocha.
In his lead debate, Hon. Aguocha observed that the exorbitantly rising cost of airline tickets in the country currently affects millions of Nigerian families.
“The House is disturbed that this Christmas season is traditionally a time for reunion, reflection, and joy. However, it now looms under the weight of economic challenges that have made travel increasingly prohibitive.
“The House is concerned that the soaring costs of domestic air travel have created a barrier preventing many from returning to their ancestral homes, where shared laughter and family connections are meant to thrive and improve our self-worth.”
While acknowledging that airline operators face myriad challenges, ranging from high Jet A1 fuel prices to excessive currency fluctuations, he expressed grave concern over the broader implications of their pricing strategies on millions of customers.
“The House is concerned that the insatiable pursuit of profit should not come at the expense of the cultural bonds that define us as Nigerians.
“The House is cognisant that by temporarily reducing fares during this critical period, operators 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.”
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government, through the Minister of Aviation and the broader Executive Branch, to provide succour to Nigerians who find themselves at a pivotal moment that demands immediate action.
“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.
“The House further urges the Government to show decisiveness, as they did last year with road transporters, in providing support. It is imperative that similar assistance be extended to the aviation sector, which plays a critical role in both family reunification and national connectivity,” he stressed.
Some lawmakers who contributed to the debate included the Deputy Majority Whip, Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim; Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson; Hon. Ngozi Okolie; Hon. Awwalu Gwalabe; and Hon. Billy Osawaru.
To this end, the House urged the Federal Government to establish a transparent assessment mechanism to determine the true minimum operational costs required by airlines throughout the Yuletide season.
According to the lawmakers, the Federal Government is expected to collaborate with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to prioritise the allocation of foreign exchange at concessionary rates for airline operators.
They also stressed the need for the Federal Government to reduce extant taxes and levies.
