The House of Representatives has approved key components of a Motion of Urgent National Importance sponsored by Hon. Obi Aguocha, Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, aimed at tackling the escalating cost of airline tickets and air ambulance services across Nigeria.
The development marks a significant legislative victory and a major step toward restoring affordability, accessibility, and fairness in the nation’s aviation sector.
Hon. Aguocha, who moved the motion during plenary, highlighted the growing hardship faced by millions of Nigerians struggling to travel, especially during the festive season. He expressed deep concern over the unprecedented spike in airfares and the far reaching impact on family reunification, cultural traditions, and social cohesion.
Speaking, Hon. Aguocha said that the crisis in airfare pricing had become a national concern that required immediate and coordinated action.
“Nigerians are not asking for luxury. They are simply asking for the basic right to travel home to see their families without being priced out by arbitrary and excessive airline charges,” he stated.
“Our responsibility as leaders is to ensure that economic policies do not disconnect people from their loved ones or weaken the bonds that hold our nation together.”
Following extensive deliberations, the House approved major components of his motion, beginning with the establishment of a transparent assessment mechanism that will determine the true minimum operational costs of airlines during peak periods such as the Yuletide season. Lawmakers agreed that such a system would curb arbitrary pricing and promote fairness in ticket sales.
The second approved prayer endorsed the development of a structured tax relief mechanism for airline operators. Rather than direct subsidies, the House resolved that fiscal support through tax adjustments would better align with the nation’s strategic economic direction while ensuring that the benefits translate into reduced ticket prices. This decision is expected to help airlines maintain stability while easing the financial burden on ordinary travellers.
Another crucial resolution was the directive for the Central Bank of Nigeria to collaborate with airline operators and prioritise the allocation of foreign exchange at concessionary rates. This measure is anticipated to stabilise airline operating costs and reduce the pressure that contributes to high ticket pricing.
Additionally, the motion was referred to the House Committee on Aviation, with a mandate to engage airline operators and relevant government agencies, and report back within seven days with recommendations for further action. The engagement is expected to pave the way for more comprehensive reforms in the aviation sector.
Hon. Aguocha expressed gratitude to his colleagues for what he described as a patriotic and people centred decision.
“Today, the House has shown that it stands with the Nigerian people,” he said. “Our action sends a clear message that governance must always respond to the real challenges facing citizens. This is not just about air travel. It is about fairness, dignity, and national unity.”
He added that the approval of his motion offers hope to families planning to travel during the festive period and creates a pathway for long term improvements in the aviation system.
“The journey home is sacred for many of our people. It should never be a privilege reserved for the wealthy but a right accessible to all,” Aguocha noted. “With this step, we have begun the process of restoring that right.”
The legislative success has further solidified Hon. Aguocha’s reputation as a representative deeply connected to the pulse of Nigerians and committed to people oriented governance. Constituents and observers have hailed the development as a timely response to economic pressures that threaten cultural values and national cohesion.
With the House now poised for follow up action through its aviation committee, Nigerians are hopeful that the approved measures will soon translate into tangible relief and set a new standard for transparency and accountability in the aviation industry.
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