The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to address the escalating cost of aviation fuel, warning that the crisis is pushing domestic airlines toward collapse.
The resolution was adopted on Tuesday following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Paschal Agbodike, representing Ihiala Federal Constituency in Anambra State.
Agbodike highlighted that Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK), commonly known as Jet A1, constitutes 40 to 60 per cent of airlines’ total operating expenses.
He noted that operators are struggling to survive while striving to maintain quality services in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority amid spiralling costs.
“Many domestic airlines have been forced to reduce flight frequencies or ground aircraft entirely, leading to reduced capacity,” he said.
“The high cost of jet fuel, compounded by foreign exchange liquidity challenges affecting the purchase of aircraft parts, has placed immense pressure on the balance sheets of Nigerian carriers, exposing them to potential collapse.”
The lawmaker warned that unchecked instability in jet fuel pricing could result in the failure of major domestic airlines, with severe repercussions for the national economy, employment, and regional connectivity.
The motion received unanimous support during the session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
In its resolution, the House called on the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), to establish a price-stabilisation mechanism for local airlines to ensure more predictable jet fuel costs.
It also directed its Committees on Aviation, Petroleum Resources (Downstream), and Finance to investigate the persistent price increases and report back within two weeks.
Additionally, the House instructed the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to present an emergency roadmap aimed at reducing aviation fuel costs within the same timeframe.
Lawmakers further appealed to the Central Bank of Nigeria to prioritise foreign exchange allocations for airline operators to ease pressures on maintenance and operations.
Aviation fuel prices in Nigeria have risen sharply in recent years due to global crude oil volatility, limited local refining capacity, downstream sector deregulation, and ongoing foreign exchange shortages.
Industry sources indicate that prices have at times surpassed ₦1,200 per litre, compelling airlines to hike fares, cut routes, and, in some cases, suspend operations.
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