The Federal Government has announced a set of intervention measures aimed at easing mounting financial pressure on airline operators following rising Jet A1 fuel costs and concerns over possible disruptions in air transport services.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the measures after a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, airline operators, oil marketers and other critical stakeholders convened to address the aviation fuel crisis.
The meeting followed growing concerns among domestic carriers over the sharp increase in aviation fuel prices, which operators have described as unsustainable and a major threat to continued operations.
Speaking after the meeting, Keyamo said President Bola Tinubu had approved what he described as a “generous discount” on certain outstanding fees owed by airline operators to the Federal Government as part of immediate relief efforts.
According to the minister, the intervention is designed to cushion the impact of rising operational costs and avert a breakdown in air transport services.
“President Bola Tinubu has approved a generous discount on some outstanding obligations owed by airline operators to the Federal Government,” Keyamo said.
He added that the President would, in the coming days, inaugurate a special committee to review and reduce multiple taxes and levies embedded in airfares.
“The committee will look into the various taxes and charges affecting ticket prices, with the aim of reducing the burden on operators and passengers while strengthening the sustainability of the aviation industry,” he said.
Keyamo noted that the government’s intervention reflects growing concern over the effect of escalating Jet A1 prices on the sector and the urgent need to stabilize operations.
Industry stakeholders have repeatedly warned that rising aviation fuel costs remain one of the biggest threats to airline survival, with fears of service disruptions if urgent measures are not taken.
The latest government response is expected to provide short-term relief while broader reforms targeting structural cost pressures in the aviation sector are being developed.
