The crisis in the Nigerian aviation sector continues as airline operators have issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding a reduction in the price of aviation fuel. Following a meeting with a federal government delegation led by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, addressed the press, expressing concern over what he described as a disproportionate increase in aviation fuel prices in Nigeria compared to global standards.
Unprecedented Fuel Price Hike
According to Onyema, whose airline is Nigeria's largest domestic carrier, the global increase in aviation fuel stands at approximately 75%, while Nigeria has experienced an increase of over 200%. He stated, "Since the advent of the US-Iran war, there has been a tremendous spike in the cost of aviation fuel, which we, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), believe is not proportionate to the rise in crude oil internationally. We discovered that only in Nigeria has there been about a 270% increase, while in other parts of the world, including African countries, it is about 70%."
Government Intervention and Ultimatum
The meeting was convened by the federal government to avert a potential strike by airline operators. However, the threat of grounded operations remains high, as Onyema reiterated a seven-day ultimatum for aviation fuel suppliers to review prices. He warned, "We expect that in the next 48 hours, something drastic is done, or no airline in this country will fly in the next seven days if something is not done." He emphasized that the soaring fuel costs have made it impossible for airlines to sustain their services.
Potential Impact on Passengers
President Bola Tinubu has been engaging stakeholders to prevent the looming strike. Reports indicate that the President is considering waiving debts owed by airline operators to the federal government as a measure to offset the rising operational costs caused by fuel price hikes. Aviation fuel has reached ₦3,300 per litre, prompting airlines to either halt operations or increase ticket prices proportionally. Nigerians, who already pay more than double the minimum wage for domestic flights, hope for a resolution between operators and fuel suppliers to avoid a strike or fare hikes.
