ABUJA — The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the rising cost of aviation fuel, warning that domestic airlines are facing intense financial strain.
The resolution followed a motion moved during plenary by Paschal Agbodike, who represents Ihiala Federal Constituency of Anambra State.
Agbodike noted that Aviation Turbine Kerosene accounts for between 40 and 60 percent of airlines’ operating costs, making it a major driver of financial pressure in the sector.
He warned that several airlines have begun cutting back operations, reducing flight frequencies, and even grounding aircraft due to escalating costs and foreign exchange challenges affecting the importation of aircraft parts.
“The House is concerned that continued instability in jet fuel pricing could lead to the collapse of major domestic airlines, with serious consequences for the economy, jobs, and regional connectivity,” he said.
The motion received unanimous support during plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Lawmakers urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, to establish a price stabilisation framework with airlines to ensure more predictable jet fuel pricing.
The House also directed its Committees on Aviation, Petroleum Resources (Downstream), and Finance to investigate the persistent increase in fuel prices within two weeks.
In addition, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was tasked with presenting an emergency roadmap to reduce aviation fuel costs within the same timeframe.
Lawmakers further called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to prioritise foreign exchange allocation for airline operators to ease operational pressures.
