Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • World Bank Places Nigeria Behind Libya, Gabon In Income Rankings
    • We Sleep With 20 Men Daily – Trafficked Victim Rescued From Katsina Hotel
    • Flood: Jigawa Govt Earmarks N4.2bn For Emergency Response
    • The Subsidy Windfall: A Missed Opportunity To Build Human Capital In Northern Nigeria? – By Murtala Adogi Mohammed
    • DONE DEAL: Super Eagles’ Forward, Osimhen Tells Napoli To Finalise Galatasaray Transfer
    • PSG Beat Real Madrid 4-0 To Set Up Chelsea Final In Club World Cup
    • Hospitals Dark As Israel Unleashes New Wave Of Heavy Air Raids On Gaza
    • South Korea Issues Arrest Warrant For Ex-President, Yoon Suk
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    NEWS POINT NIGERIANEWS POINT NIGERIA
    UBA 720X90
    • HOME
    • NEWS

      World Bank Places Nigeria Behind Libya, Gabon In Income Rankings

      July 10, 2025

      We Sleep With 20 Men Daily – Trafficked Victim Rescued From Katsina Hotel

      July 10, 2025

      Flood: Jigawa Govt Earmarks N4.2bn For Emergency Response

      July 10, 2025

      We Uncovered ‘Mind-Boggling’ Corruption In NNPCL, Asset Tracing Leads To Iceland – EFCC Chairman

      July 9, 2025

      Ex-SGF Says Tinubu Didn’t Make Buhari President In 2015′, Garba Shehu’s Book Launch Sparks Historical Clarification

      July 9, 2025
    • COLUMN

      There Is Pain Behind That Smile. Just Do Your Bit – By Dr Hassan Gimba

      July 6, 2025

      What Can Nigeria Learn From China’s Electricity Revolution? – By Dr Dakuku Peterside

      July 6, 2025

      Amaechi: Nigerian Politicians And Doublespeak – By Kazeem Akintunde

      July 6, 2025

      Remembering ‘Watergate Scandal’ And Danger Of Crippling Opposition – By Martins Oloja

      July 6, 2025

      Don’t Kill Yourself Because He’s Cheating – By Funke Egbemode

      July 6, 2025
    • EDUCATION

      13 Countries Offering Free Or Low-Cost PhD Programmes For Non-Citizens

      January 25, 2025

      NECO: Abia, Imo Top Performing States In Two Years, Katsina, Zamfara Come Last

      October 3, 2024

      NBTE Accredits 17 Programmes At Federal Polytechnic Kabo

      August 20, 2024

      15 Most Expensive Universities In Nigeria

      May 19, 2024

      FULL LIST: Tinubu Appoints Former SGF Yayale, Ex-Governor Yuguda, Muhammad Abacha, Jega In Universities’ Governing Councils

      May 18, 2024
    • INTERNATIONAL

      Hospitals Dark As Israel Unleashes New Wave Of Heavy Air Raids On Gaza

      July 10, 2025

      South Korea Issues Arrest Warrant For Ex-President, Yoon Suk

      July 10, 2025

      UK Threatens Further Action Against Israel If Gaza Ceasefire Proposal Fails

      July 8, 2025

      Texas Flood Death Toll Passes 100 As More Bodies Recovered

      July 8, 2025

      Iran President, Masoud Pezeshkian Says Israel Attempted To Assassinate Him

      July 7, 2025
    • JUDICIARY

      FULL LIST: Judicial Council Recommends Appointment Of 11 Supreme Court Justices

      December 6, 2023

      Supreme Court: Judicial Council Screens 22 Nominees, Candidates Face DSS, Others

      November 29, 2023

      FULL LIST: Judicial Commission Nominates 22 Justices For Elevation To Supreme Court

      November 16, 2023

      Seven Key Issues Resolved By Seven Supreme Court Judges

      October 26, 2023

      FULL LIST: CJN To Swear In Falana’s Wife, 57 Others As SANs November 27

      October 12, 2023
    • POLITICS

      What Peter Obi May Lose If He Joins Coalition As VP Candidate

      May 25, 2025

      Atiku Moves To Unseat Wike’s Damagum As PDP Chairman, Backs Suswam As Replacement

      April 15, 2024

      Edo’s Senator Matthew Uroghide, Others Defect To APC

      April 13, 2024

      Finally, Wike Opens Up On Rift With Peter Odili

      April 2, 2024

      El-Rufa’i’s Debt Burden: APC Suspends Women Leader For Criticising Kaduna Gov

      March 31, 2024
    • SPORTS

      DONE DEAL: Super Eagles’ Forward, Osimhen Tells Napoli To Finalise Galatasaray Transfer

      July 10, 2025

      PSG Beat Real Madrid 4-0 To Set Up Chelsea Final In Club World Cup

      July 10, 2025

      Ahmed Musa Denies Distributing SUVs To Kano Pillars Players

      July 8, 2025

      Joao Pedro Shines As Chelsea Beat Fluminense To Reach Club World Cup Final

      July 8, 2025

      WAFCON: Babajide Pays Tribute To Jota After Scoring In Falcons’ Victory Over Tunisia

      July 7, 2025
    • MORE
      • AFRICA
      • ANALYSIS
      • BUSINESS
      • ENTERTAINMENT
      • FEATURED
      • LENS SPEAK
      • INFO – TECH
      • INTERVIEW
      • NIGERIA DECIDES
      • OPINION
      • Personality Profile
      • Picture of the month
      • Science
      • Special Project
      • Videos
      • Weekend Sports
    NEWS POINT NIGERIANEWS POINT NIGERIA
    UBA 720X90
    Home - Airfare: Flying Beyond Reach – By Dr Dakuku Peterside

    Airfare: Flying Beyond Reach – By Dr Dakuku Peterside

    By Dakuku PetersideNovember 4, 2024
    Dakuku 3
    Dakuku

    A MILITARY officer who served as Nigeria’s Aviation Minister between 1985 and 1993 during the Babangida years once remarked that air travel was a luxury not meant for the poor. At the time, this comment sparked public outrage for its apparent insensitivity. Yet, more than thirty years later, that statement has proven eerily prophetic, as air travel has become increasingly inaccessible to most Nigerians.

    In Nigeria, the significance of air travel is even more profound. With an underdeveloped transportation infrastructure and the risks posed by road and rail travel, air travel has become both convenient and necessary. Despite this importance, soaring ticket prices are reversing decades of progress, making air travel a luxury for the wealthy again. The soaring costs threaten the accessibility of air travel for the average Nigerian, restricting mobility and posing a barrier to economic inclusion.

    This problem cannot be delayed for another day. It demands immediate attention and action. This reality is compounded by Nigeria’s unique economic and infrastructural challenges, which have made alternatives to air travel scarce, unsafe, or unreliable. As air travel becomes increasingly out of reach, so do the social and economic benefits it brings, from tourism to job creation. To restore air travel as a widely accessible service, Nigeria must address its infrastructural, regulatory, and economic challenges with targeted reforms and strategic investments. These investments, if made wisely and with a long-term vision, could transform the current state of air travel in Nigeria, making it more affordable and accessible for all.

    UBA

    The limited alternatives to air travel make Nigeria particularly reliant on its aviation sector, especially given the poor state of the country’s road infrastructure. According to a 2023 report by Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, approximately 60% of the nation’s roads are classified as “poor,” with many roads riddled with potholes, lacking signage, and without proper maintenance. These conditions are not only inconvenient but also dangerous, as travelling on these roads can lead to vehicle breakdowns, accidents, and exposure to kidnappings and banditry.

    Between January and July 2024, over 500 cases of kidnapping were reported along Nigerian roads, highlighting the severe security challenges that plague ground transportation. Rail infrastructure, though expanding, remains limited, covering only 3,500 kilometres compared to India’s 65,000 kilometres, a stark illustration of Nigeria’s lag in connecting its vast geography. Water transportation is similarly underutilized, with infrastructure inadequacies and safety concerns making it an unreliable option for most Nigerians. Air travel holds unique importance in this environment as a safe and efficient means of connecting people and goods across the country.

    WIDGET ADS

    However, the cost of air travel in Nigeria has surged in recent years, making it unaffordable for most Nigerians. For instance, the price of a one-way flight between Lagos and Abuja has risen from around ₦75,000 (approximately $47) in 2020 to over ₦170,000 ($100) today, effectively pricing out the average citizen.

    Several factors are responsible for these soaring prices, with currency exchange rates playing a significant role. Since most aeroplane spare parts are priced in US dollars and airline operations are generally denominated in US dollars and other stronger currencies, the declining Naira means that Nigerian passengers must pay more. Aviation fuel, which now constitutes 40% of airline operating costs, has seen a price increase of over 300% since 2020 due to limited refining capacity and global oil price fluctuations.

    Thomas Sankara African Leadership Prize

    Additionally, Nigerian airlines are subject to over 15 separate taxes and regulatory fees, ranging from value-added tax to passenger service charges. These fees significantly increase the cost of doing business for airlines, ultimately passing on the burden to consumers. Inflation, which has remained above 30% in recent years, compounds these issues, reducing Nigerian consumers’ purchasing power and further limiting air travel access.

    These rising costs have profound implications, particularly for a nation where freedom of movement is vital for economic and social inclusion. The aviation sector is not just a mode of transportation but a key driver of economic growth and social mobility. Affordable air travel enables Nigerians to access jobs, markets, and opportunities far beyond their immediate surroundings. When air travel is reserved for the wealthy, it limits social mobility and restricts the benefits of a connected society. However, if made affordable and accessible, air travel can promote social inclusion by providing access to remote and underserved regions, improving living standards and supporting poverty alleviation. This promising vision underscores the importance of restoring affordability and accessibility to air travel in Nigeria.

    Nigerian TAX Reform - Federal Goverment

    Given these challenges, Nigeria must adopt a comprehensive approach to restore affordability and accessibility to air travel. First, substantial investment in alternative public transportation infrastructure is essential. This could be achieved through public-private partnerships. Expanding and maintaining long-distance roads and rail networks would relieve demand pressure on air travel and provide more affordable options for Nigerians. Nigeria could look to countries like India, where extensive railway networks connect rural and urban areas, providing a reliable and low-cost alternative to air travel. Improving water transportation could also offer new solutions, as Nigeria has over 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways that could be leveraged to move goods and people efficiently. Developing these alternatives would improve mobility and foster healthy competition within the transportation sector, potentially driving down air travel costs and opening new economic and social development opportunities.

    Another critical issue is the insecurity that has plagued Nigeria’s transportation network, particularly on roads and waterways. Banditry, kidnapping, and piracy make these modes of travel dangerous, prompting more Nigerians to rely on air travel for safety, which increases demand and, consequently, costs. By addressing security concerns in road, rail, and water travel through increased policing, surveillance, and enforcement measures, the government can make these alternatives safer and more viable. This would reduce the demand for air travel, creating a more competitive environment that could lead to more affordable fares.

    The government’s role in this process is crucial, and its intervention is necessary to restore affordability and accessibility to air travel in Nigeria.

    National Orientation Agency Page UP
    National Orientation Agency - Down

    Regulatory reforms are essential for creating a more efficient and less costly aviation sector in Nigeria. By streamlining administrative and regulatory processes, we can reduce airline operational expenses, leading to lower consumer costs. Countries like South Africa have demonstrated the benefits of streamlined regulations, where simplified frameworks reduce costs without compromising safety standards. In Nigeria, reforming the aviation sector to reduce bureaucratic hurdles could enhance affordability. Tax reform would also provide significant relief. The government could reduce airlines’ operating costs by reducing aviation-related taxes, potentially lowering passenger ticket prices. In the long term, these changes could stimulate the aviation sector, boosting job creation, economic activity, and increased connectivity. This potential for positive change should inspire us to push for these reforms.

    Competition within the air travel market is another vital component of affordability. By promoting the entry of new airlines, Nigeria can foster a competitive environment that generally leads to lower prices for consumers. For example, competition between national carrier Kenya Airways and local airlines has created more affordable options for consumers in Kenya. Nigeria’s recent signing of the Cape Town Convention, an international agreement facilitating aircraft financing, presents an opportunity to attract new airline entrants and encourage a more dynamic aviation market that benefits travellers.

    Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo is critical in spearheading efforts to make air travel accessible and affordable for all Nigerians. To reduce air travel costs in Nigeria, the Minister of Aviation can adopt several strategies targeting taxes, fuel costs, competition, infrastructure, and innovation. Reducing aviation taxes, fees, and redundant charges would lower airline operating costs, allowing for more affordable fares. Subsidies on aviation fuel or investment in local fuel production could stabilize and reduce fuel costs, a significant airline expense. Additionally, establishing a foreign exchange window for aviation could mitigate currency volatility.

    Encouraging competition is also essential. Lowering entry barriers and incentivizing low-cost carriers would make more affordable options available. Bulk procurement of essential airline parts, collective insurance, and fuel-efficient operations could further decrease airline costs, benefiting consumers. Establishing strong infrastructure alternatives, like high-speed rail, road, and water transport, would relieve demand pressure on the aviation sector, thereby driving down prices.

    Regional collaboration, such as Open Skies agreements with neighbouring countries, could increase route options and affordability. Supporting local maintenance and training programs could reduce dependence on foreign expertise, lowering labour expenses. Lastly, encouraging digital solutions and a subsidized frequent flyer program for low-income travellers could make air travel more accessible.

    Beyond infrastructure and regulatory reforms, establishing an online complaint mechanism for passengers could improve transparency and accountability within the aviation sector. A similar initiative in India, called AirSewa, allows passengers to submit grievances directly to authorities, ensuring faster response times and promoting a consumer-focused airline industry. Implementing a similar platform in Nigeria would empower passengers to voice their concerns and encourage airlines to improve service quality.

    These initiatives, combined with streamlined licensing, local skill development, and efficient operations, would reduce air travel prices and foster excellent connectivity and economic growth in Nigeria. Such a comprehensive approach would make air travel more affordable and accessible for a more significant population.

    Nigeria’s aviation sector faces complex challenges, but with targeted reforms and strategic investments, air travel can once again become a service for all rather than a luxury for a select few. Addressing infrastructure, security, taxation, and regulation limitations will require commitment and vision, but the potential benefits are vast. By making air travel accessible, Nigeria can enhance its connectivity, create economic opportunities, and ensure that all citizens benefit from a modern, mobile society. Restoring air travel as a bridge to opportunity will open economic possibilities and solidify Nigeria’s commitment to equal access, inclusion, and national growth. Through these efforts, Nigeria’s aviation industry can take off, empowering millions and supporting the country’s journey toward a more connected, prosperous future.

    – Dr Peterside is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). His syndicated column appears on News Point Nigeria newspaper on Mondays.

    Airfare Dakuku Peterside Column
    Share. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp LinkedIn Telegram Email

    Related Posts

    There Is Pain Behind That Smile. Just Do Your Bit – By Dr Hassan Gimba

    July 6, 2025

    What Can Nigeria Learn From China’s Electricity Revolution? – By Dr Dakuku Peterside

    July 6, 2025

    Amaechi: Nigerian Politicians And Doublespeak – By Kazeem Akintunde

    July 6, 2025

    Remembering ‘Watergate Scandal’ And Danger Of Crippling Opposition – By Martins Oloja

    July 6, 2025
    Add A Comment
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Latest Posts

    World Bank Places Nigeria Behind Libya, Gabon In Income Rankings

    July 10, 2025

    We Sleep With 20 Men Daily – Trafficked Victim Rescued From Katsina Hotel

    July 10, 2025

    Flood: Jigawa Govt Earmarks N4.2bn For Emergency Response

    July 10, 2025

    The Subsidy Windfall: A Missed Opportunity To Build Human Capital In Northern Nigeria? – By Murtala Adogi Mohammed

    July 10, 2025

    DONE DEAL: Super Eagles’ Forward, Osimhen Tells Napoli To Finalise Galatasaray Transfer

    July 10, 2025
    Advertisement
    WIDGET ADS
    News Point NG
    © 2025 NEWS POINT NIGERIA Developed by ENGRMKS & CO.
    • Home
    • About us
    • Disclaimer
    • Our Advert Rates
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Join Us On WhatsApp