Reps ask FG to cut aviation taxes by 50% to curb soaring airfares

The house of representatives has raised concerns about the skyrocketing cost of domestic air travel.

During Thursday’s plenary, the lower legislative chamber asked the federal government to cut aviation taxes by 50 percent to make flights more affordable for Nigerians during the yuletide.

The green chamber passed the resolution following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Obi Aguocha, a Labour Party lawmaker from Abia.

Leading the debate, the legislator drew the house’s attention to what he described as “exorbitant” airfares that have placed a heavy burden on families hoping to reunite during the festive period.

He said Christmas, traditionally a season of joy and reconnection, now “looms under the weight of economic challenges” that have made travel increasingly prohibitive.

“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,” he said.

Aguocha, acknowledging the pressures facing airline operators, such as high aviation fuel prices and currency volatility, said pricing decisions must reflect “broader national implications”.

The lawmaker added that the pursuit of profit “should not come at the expense of the cultural bonds that define us as Nigerians”.

He said temporarily reducing airfares would demonstrate social responsibility and national solidarity, urging the ministry of aviation and relevant agencies to intervene.

“Such an act would reaffirm to all citizens that the journey home is a fundamental right, accessible to every Nigerian, regardless of financial status,” he said. 

He reminded the parliament that the federal government intervened last year to stabilise road transport prices, making a case for similar support to be extended to the aviation sector, “which plays a critical role in family reunification and national connectivity”.

THE DEBATE

Following Obi’s submission, several lawmakers backed the motion, but with differing views on the underlying causes of the fare hikes.

Clement Jimbo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member from Akwa Ibom, said airline operators “should be called to order”, saying unchecked increases were unjustifiable.

He said Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, should be summoned to explain the “incessant” hike in airfares.

Auwalu Gwalabe, a PDP lawmaker from Bauchi, said landing fees and fuel costs have risen sharply, urging regulators to intervene and reduce operational charges.

Mark Esset, an APC legislator from Akwa Ibom, accused airlines of exploiting travellers during festive seasons.

“Considering the insecurity [on roads], the operators are using this opportunity to exploit us. We cannot pretend like we don’t know what is happening,” he said. 

Ngozi Okolie, lawmaker from Delta, argued that improved road infrastructure would ease pressure on air transport and stabilise fares.

Also speaking, Jonathan Gaza, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) lawmaker from Nasarawa, cautioned against excessive regulation, noting that Nigeria operates a capitalist economy and that most aircraft parts are imported at high cost.

Kingsley Chinda, the minority leader, rejected calls for subsidy, saying cost should be determined by demand and supply dynamics.

He said insecurity on major highways is driving up airfare costs as more people are patronising air transport and abandoning the roads.

“The pressure on the airlines is massive because the roads are not safe. We should be talking about road safety and addressing the root cause,” Chinda said.

Sada Soli, Katsina APC member, described the motion as “humanistic and people-oriented” but said airline subsidies are rare globally.

He highlighted high maintenance expenses, costly aircraft leasing, insurance, landing fees, aviation fuel prices, and seasonal demand spikes.

Ibrahim Isiaka, deputy minority whip, said he supported efforts to help airlines reduce costs, noting that operational expenses account for about 60 percent of their expenditure.

Following extensive debate, Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, ruled on an amendment, urging the federal government to cut aviation taxes by half and reduce airport charges during the festive season.

Keyamo had blamed the current high airfares on domestic routes on aircraft scarcity and insufficient maintenance infrastructure.

Keyamo said the federal government has no power to regulate or cap airline ticket prices.

Obiorah Okonkwo, executive chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, had called on the national assembly to reduce the multiple taxation plaguing domestic airlines, saying taxes are a key driver of high airfares in the country.