Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister , Festus Keyamo
Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister , Festus Keyamo has appealed to Airline Operators of Nigeria to rescind the decision to shutdown operations on Monday over astronomical increase in the prices of aviation fuel.
In a letter written to the operators on Friday, the Minister acknowledged the the prevailing situation, commending the resilience, professionalism, and steadfast commitment of its members in sustaining air transport services under evidently difficult conditions.
Keyamo reiterated 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, adding that the sector remains a critical national asset essential to trade facilitation, national security, employment generation, and overall economic integration.
Reacting to the operational challenges currently confronting the airlines, especially the sudden hike in Jet A1 fuel from N900 per liter as at February 28, 2026 to N3.300 per litre, representing a 300 % increase, Keyamo urged the airlines to first, 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.
“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.”, he said.
Accordingly, a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting, he said 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.
