The Federal Government has stepped in with fresh relief measures for airlines operating in Nigeria as rising Jet A1 fuel prices continue to strain the aviation industry and push operators closer to operational limits.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the intervention after a closed-door meeting involving officials from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, airline operators, and key oil marketers. The engagement was convened to address the growing tension around aviation fuel costs and the risk of service disruptions.
According to Keyamo, President Bola Tinubu has approved a targeted reduction in certain outstanding charges owed by airline operators to ease immediate financial pressure on the sector. The move is aimed at cushioning the impact of rising operating costs that have been squeezing margins across domestic carriers.
He added that government is also setting up a special committee to examine the multiple taxes and levies embedded in air transport pricing, with a view to streamlining and reducing them in the coming weeks.
Keyamo said the intervention is designed to stabilise operations and prevent a situation where airlines are forced into drastic measures that could disrupt domestic travel.
“The President has approved a generous discount on some outstanding obligations owed by airlines to the Federal Government,” he said.
He also noted that a broader review of aviation-related charges is underway to ensure long-term sustainability in the sector.
The development comes at a time when airline operators are openly warning that the continued rise in Jet A1 prices could force capacity cuts or partial suspension of services if no urgent relief is provided.