The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has appealed to airline operators in Nigeria to shelve their planned suspension of flight operations following a sharp increase in the price of Jet A1 fuel.
In a letter dated Thursday, April 16, titled “Three Hundred Per Cent Increase in Jet A1 Fuel: Appeal for Restraint on Airfare Adjustment and Suspension of Operation,” the minister urged operators to exercise patience and avoid actions that could disrupt the country’s aviation sector and broader economy.
The appeal comes after airline operators, under their association, raised alarm on April 14 over the sudden spike in the cost of aviation fuel, warning that they might be forced to suspend operations if the situation persists. According to the operators, the price of Jet A1 fuel surged dramatically from N900 per litre as of February 28, 2026, to about N3,300 per litre, representing a 300 per cent increase within a short period.
The development has placed significant pressure on airlines, many of which are already grappling with high operating costs, currency fluctuations, and infrastructure challenges. The operators argued that the sharp rise in fuel prices, which constitutes a major component of airline expenses, could make continued operations unsustainable.
However, responding to the concerns, Keyamo acknowledged the difficult conditions faced by airline operators and commended their resilience and professionalism in sustaining air transport services despite mounting challenges.
“I commend the resilience and professionalism of your members in sustaining air transport services under evidently difficult conditions,” the minister stated.
He emphasized that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu places a high strategic priority on the aviation sector, describing it as a critical national asset essential for trade facilitation, national security, job creation, and economic integration.
“Let me reiterate that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accords the aviation sector the highest strategic importance,” Keyamo said. “In line with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, the sector remains a critical national asset essential to trade facilitation, national security, employment generation, and overall economic integration.”
The minister further highlighted ongoing reforms introduced by the current administration to support the growth and sustainability of local airline operators. According to him, these reforms are aimed at strengthening the sector and ensuring its long-term viability.
“You will also acknowledge that the government has initiated unprecedented reforms in the sector aimed at supporting the growth and sustenance of the businesses of local operators,” he added.
Despite the challenges posed by the fuel price hike, Keyamo appealed to airline operators to reconsider any immediate plans to increase airfares or suspend flight operations, warning that such actions could have serious consequences for the economy.
He noted that a shutdown of flight services would disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, negatively affect businesses, and erode public confidence in the aviation industry.
“Such action would have far-reaching adverse implications for the national economy, disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, erode public confidence, and undermine the progress recorded under the ongoing reforms within the aviation sector,” he said.
The minister also assured operators that the Federal Government is fully aware of their concerns and is taking steps to address the situation. He disclosed that an emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
“I wish to formally assure you that the concerns raised by your members have received the full attention of the Federal Government, and we shall take immediate steps to address the issues,” Keyamo stated.
According to him, the high-level meeting is slated for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Abuja and will bring together key stakeholders, including airline operators, regulators, and other industry players, to deliberate on practical and sustainable solutions.
“The meeting will bring together all relevant stakeholders and regulatory authorities with a view to achieving a prompt, practical, and sustainable resolution,” he added, noting that details of the venue and time would be communicated in due course.
The aviation sector remains a vital component of Nigeria’s economy, facilitating both domestic and international travel, trade, and connectivity. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly called for government intervention to stabilise fuel prices and create a more enabling environment for airline operations.
As discussions continue, all eyes will be on the outcome of the scheduled stakeholders’ meeting, which is expected to play a crucial role in determining the next steps and preventing a potential disruption of air travel across the country.
