The House of Representatives on Thursday declined to approve any subsidy for airline operators as a means of reducing airfares during the festive season.
Rather than subsidising flights, the House urged the federal government to review and reduce certain airport charges that contribute significantly to high ticket prices and rising operational costs for domestic airlines.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Obinna Aguocha (LP, Abia) on the soaring cost of airline tickets and its implications for public safety and family mobility.
Lawmakers also called for the creation of a transparent assessment mechanism to determine the minimum operational cost of airlines throughout the yuletide period.
Leading the debate, Aguocha said the prohibitive cost of domestic air travel was affecting millions of Nigerian families, noting that the Christmas season, traditionally a period of reunion and joy, was now overshadowed by economic pressures that make travel inaccessible for many.
He argued that high jet fuel prices and currency fluctuations were among the burdens faced by airline operators, but urged them to be mindful of the cultural impact of skyrocketing prices.
He stressed that profit-making should not erode the social fabric of family connections, suggesting that a temporary fare reduction would reflect corporate social responsibility and national solidarity.
He also urged the government to extend support to the aviation sector, similar to last year’s intervention for road transport operators.
However, Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo), in his contribution, faulted the call for air travel subsidies, insisting that aviation is a business venture and should not be subsidised.
He argued that about 90 percent of Nigerians rely on road and rail transport, making it more reasonable for the government to focus on subsidising road travel instead of airfare.