Air travel within Nigeria is reportedly one of the cheapest in the world, according to Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Airlines Limited. Okonkwo, who also serves as the spokesperson for airline operators in Nigeria, made this statement on Channels Television’s *The Morning Brief*. He argued that, despite higher operating costs, Nigerian airlines still charge relatively low airfares.
Okonkwo highlighted several challenges facing the industry. He noted that the high cost of operations in Nigeria includes questionable taxes and levies. Moreover, 99.9 % of expenses—such as spare parts and maintenance—are paid in dollars, while tickets are sold in naira. Loans for airlines in Nigeria carry interest rates of 30‑35 %, compared with 2‑7 % in other countries.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched an investigation into alleged price manipulation by some airlines, particularly on routes serving the South‑East and South‑South. The commission is examining pricing patterns and conduct that may undermine competition. FCCPC Executive Vice‑Chairman/CEO Tunji Bello emphasized that the agency is not a price‑control board but is mandated to protect consumers from exploitation. He said the FCCPC will act decisively where evidence shows that consumer welfare or market competitiveness is being undermined. The commission has the power to monitor economic activities, identify anti‑competitive practices, and conduct investigations as necessary.
The investigation follows public complaints about excessive airfares, with some one‑way tickets on domestic routes exceeding N300,000. The FCCPC is scrutinizing airlines’ pricing templates and ticketing behavior to determine whether the fare spikes violate the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.
In response, the House of Representatives has urged the federal government to grant immediate tax waivers to airlines to reduce flight fares during the Yuletide season, while the Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation and other stakeholders to discuss the rising ticket prices. The FCCPC’s investigation and any potential enforcement measures may lead to changes in airlines’ pricing practices, ultimately affecting the cost of air travel for Nigerian consumers.
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