The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address the steady rise in aviation fuel prices, warning that domestic airlines are under severe financial strain.
Lawmakers raised the concern during plenary after adopting a motion described as urgent, focusing on the impact of high jet fuel costs on airline operations across the country.
The motion, sponsored by Paschal Agbodike representing Ihiala Federal Constituency of Anambra State, noted that Aviation Turbine Kerosene remains one of the biggest cost drivers for airlines, accounting for a large share of total operating expenses.
He warned that many operators are already reducing flight frequencies, scaling down routes, or grounding aircraft as they struggle with rising fuel costs and foreign exchange pressures.
According to him, if the situation continues without intervention, more airlines could face shutdowns, with negative consequences for employment, connectivity, and the broader economy.
The resolution was unanimously supported during the sitting presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
As part of its decision, the House urged the Federal Government, working through relevant agencies including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, to explore a mechanism that would stabilise jet fuel pricing for domestic carriers.
Lawmakers also mandated the Committees on Aviation, Petroleum Resources (Downstream), and Finance to investigate the continuous rise in aviation fuel prices and report back within two weeks.
In addition, the House directed the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to present an emergency plan aimed at reducing operating costs for airlines.
The Central Bank of Nigeria was also asked to prioritise foreign exchange allocation for airline operators to ease pressure on aircraft maintenance and procurement of spare parts.
Aviation fuel prices in Nigeria have increased significantly in recent years, driven by global oil price swings, limited local refining capacity, deregulation of the downstream sector, and ongoing foreign exchange shortages.
Industry operators say jet fuel prices have, at times, crossed ₦1,200 per litre, forcing airlines to raise ticket fares, reduce flight routes, and in some cases suspend operations.
