The Federal Government has commenced urgent measures to stabilise Nigeria’s aviation sector following rising costs and supply challenges associated with Jet A1 fuel.
This follows a high-level intervention led by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), who convened strategic meetings in Abuja on Wednesday, 22nd and Thursday, 23rd April, 2026, with the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The meetings brought together domestic airline operators under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), major oil marketers, and relevant aviation regulators to address growing concerns over the sustainability of airline operations amid escalating aviation fuel prices.
Speaking during the engagements, the Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining a stable and balanced aviation market, stressing that while Nigeria operates a free-market system, market forces must not be allowed to undermine public interest or disrupt critical national services.
He assured stakeholders that government regulators would sustain close monitoring of developments in the sector and implement necessary corrective measures where required.
Keyamo announced the appointment of designated focal persons representing airlines, fuel marketers, regulators, and government. The committee is expected to meet within the next 48 to 72 hours to develop a transparent, fair, and sustainable pricing framework for Jet A1 fuel.
In a major boost to the sector, the Minister also disclosed that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has concluded its latest audit of Nigeria’s aviation industry, with the country recording a historic safety compliance score of 91.4 percent, up from 70 percent in 2023.
He described the achievement as Nigeria’s highest aviation safety rating since independence, attributing the milestone to deliberate reforms in the sector and the sustained support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He added that the result reflects increasing global confidence in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Stakeholders at the meeting acknowledged the seriousness of the Jet A1 pricing challenge. Airline operators warned that the sharp increase in aviation fuel prices has placed significant pressure on their operations and could threaten service continuity if left unresolved. While Oil marketers, on their part, attributed the price surge to supply constraints and prevailing market realities.
In his remarks, the Vice President of AON and Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, described the current aviation fuel situation as unsustainable, noting that prices have risen by over 250 percent, far above global trends.
He cautioned that airlines may find it increasingly difficult to sustain operations without urgent intervention, while emphasising that any service disruptions would be driven purely by economic realities.
Dr. Onyema, however, commended the Federal Government for its swift response and expressed confidence that the ongoing engagements would produce a practical, policy backed solution to stabilise fuel prices, ensure steady supply, and protect both the aviation industry and the travelling public.
*Chindaya Ahmadu Audu Adamu*
Director, Press and Public Affairs
