By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Nigeria’s aviation sector faces a shutdown threat as domestic airlines warn they may halt operations nationwide from Thursday, April 30, 2026, over soaring aviation fuel prices, despite intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja to ease mounting financial pressure.
Aviation Fuel Crisis Pushes Airlines to Brink
Airline operators say the sharp rise in Jet A1 fuel prices has become unsustainable. Prices have jumped from about N900 per litre to between N2,700 and N2,900. Some marketers even charge up to N3,500 per litre.
Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Allen Onyema, warned that airlines now operate mainly to cover fuel costs. He stressed that no airline can continue under such conditions.
He also argued that the increase does not reflect global price trends. According to him, the spike followed tensions linked to the US-Iran crisis.
Airlines Issue Seven-Day Ultimatum
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), led by Abdulmunaf Sarina, has issued a seven-day ultimatum. Operators insist they will ground flights if authorities fail to act.
Another airline executive confirmed the urgency. He warned that operations could stop entirely if nothing changes.
As a result, passengers now face possible cancellations and travel disruptions across Nigeria.
Government Intervention Falls Short
In response, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, held talks with airline operators and fuel marketers in Abuja. However, the meeting ended without agreement.
President Tinubu later approved a 30 percent discount on airline debts. This relief covers obligations to key agencies like the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
While operators welcomed the move, they insist it does not solve the fuel pricing crisis.
Airlines Demand Urgent Fuel Pricing Reforms
Airlines have proposed several measures to stabilise the sector. These include:
- Suspension of aviation taxes and charges for six months
- Introduction of a non-taxable fuel surcharge
- Credit support from fuel marketers
- Creation of an industry tax reform committee
They argue that these steps will reduce financial strain and protect jobs.
Industry Blames Marketers for Price Surge
Onyema questioned the justification for the over 300 percent price increase. He urged authorities to investigate fuel marketers.
He also noted that even suppliers like Dangote offer relatively lower prices. Therefore, he called for transparency in pricing across the market.
Looming Shutdown Raises Economic Concerns
Despite ongoing engagements, talks between airlines, government officials, and marketers have stalled. Consequently, the risk of a nationwide shutdown remains high.
Such a move would disrupt business travel and economic activities. It could also affect thousands of aviation jobs.
Outlook for Nigeria’s Aviation Sector
Although the government has shown support, operators demand faster and more targeted action. Without immediate intervention on fuel pricing, airlines say operations may stop within days.
For now, uncertainty continues to grow as the deadline approaches.
