The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has formed a committee with the aim of reducing the exorbitant costs of air travel, particularly for international flights.
Captain Chris Najomo, the acting director-general of the NCAA, announced this initiative through a video press release shared on the Authority’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday.
Najomo acknowledged the Authority’s concern regarding the escalating prices of international air travel within the country. He revealed the establishment of a high-level committee tasked with investigating the various factors influencing airfare rates and proposing measures to bring them down.
Additionally, the Acting Director-General highlighted that the NCAA had conducted meetings with airlines, stakeholders, and relevant agencies to ensure the successful reduction of international airfares in Nigeria.
In a statement, Najomo stated, “The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has observed the surge in international airfares, prompting us to take action. We have set up a dedicated committee to analyze the factors contributing to these high fares and explore strategies for their reduction. Collaborative efforts with airlines, stakeholders, and governmental bodies are underway to address this issue.”
Earlier, the House of Representatives assigned its aviation committee to investigate the steep rise in international flight prices and the subpar service provided by airlines operating in Nigeria, especially those of foreign origin.
Moshood Olarewaju Oshun proposed a motion titled “Need to Address Excessive Airfares by International Airlines in Nigeria,” emphasizing that neighboring West African nations like Ghana and Benin Republic offer more reasonable fare structures.
Oshun criticized the inadequate service quality and aging aircraft utilized by these airlines despite their premium pricing. He warned that if swift action is not taken to regulate these fare hikes, it could render international travel unaffordable for average Nigerians, potentially impacting the nation’s economy.
