The Federal Government of Nigeria has appealed to the leadership of airline operators in the country to apply restraint over their plan to suspend flight operations due the price increase of Jet A1 fuel.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo in a letter to the president of the Airline Operators of Nigeria said FG is working towards finding a lasting to the solution to the challenge.
The letter is dated Thursday, April 16, and titled, “Three Hundred Per cent Increase In Jet A1 Fuel: Appeal for Restraint on Airfare Adjustment and Suspension of Operation”.
Recall that on April 14, the airline operators had raised concerns over the sudden hike in price of Jet A1 fuel.
According to the operators, the price of Jet A1 fuel increased from N900 per liter as at February 28, 2026 to N3,300 per liter, representing a 300% increase.
The operators also threatened to suspend all flight operations from next week pending when the situation eases off.
However, reacting to the threat, Keyamo commend the resilience, professionalism, of members of the association in sustaining air transport services under evidently difficult conditions.
He said, “Let me reiterate that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accords the aviation sector the highest strategic importance. In line with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, the sector remains a critical national asset essential to trade facilitation, national security, employment generation, and overall economic integration.
“You will also acknowledge that the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated unprecedented reforms in the sector aimed at supporting the growth and sustenance of the businesses of local operators,” Keyamo said.
He also appealed to the airline operators to exercise restraint with respect to any proposed increase in airfares at this time and reconsider the planned suspension of flight operations.
“Such action would have far-reaching adverse implications for the national economy, disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, erode public confidence, and undermine the progress recorded under the ongoing reforms within the aviation sector.
“I wish to formally assure you that the concerns raised by your members have received the full attention of the Federal Government and we shall take immediate steps to address the issues.
“Accordingly, a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 in Abuja, bringing together all relevant stakeholders and regulatory authorities with a view to achieving a prompt, practical, and sustainable resolution. The venue and time will be communicated in due course,” the minister stated.
