The Federal Government has scheduled an emergency stakeholders’ meeting for April 22, 2026, in a bid to address the growing crisis in Nigeria’s aviation sector, following concerns over a sharp rise in the cost of aviation fuel, known as JetA1.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed that the meeting will bring together airline operators, regulatory authorities, and other key industry stakeholders to find an urgent and lasting solution to the situation.
The planned intervention comes amid mounting tension within the industry, as domestic airline operators warn of possible service disruptions, including a shutdown of operations or a significant increase in airfares. The concerns stem from the dramatic surge in the price of JetA1, which has reportedly risen by about 300 percent, moving from around ₦900 per litre to over ₦3,000 per litre.
The spike in fuel costs has placed immense financial pressure on airline operators, who say sustaining operations under current conditions has become increasingly difficult. Many have indicated that without immediate government action, the rising operational expenses could force them to scale back services, raise ticket prices substantially, or suspend operations altogether.
In response, the Federal Government has assured industry players that their concerns are being taken seriously and that decisive steps will be taken to stabilise the sector. The forthcoming meeting is expected to serve as a platform for open dialogue, where stakeholders can collectively examine the challenges and agree on practical measures to ease the burden on operators.
The government aims to use the engagement to explore solutions that will not only address the immediate cost pressures but also ensure long-term sustainability within the aviation industry. Key areas of focus are likely to include fuel supply and pricing, regulatory support, and strategies to maintain affordable air travel for Nigerians.
Authorities have expressed optimism that the meeting will produce actionable outcomes that will prevent a disruption in flight operations and safeguard the aviation sector from further instability.
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