Senator Biodun Olujimi, who chairs the Senate Committee on Aviation, has expressed concern over the potential negative impact of the recent increase in airfares on the aviation industry. She made the comments at the second edition of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria National Aviation Conference, which was held in Abuja on Monday.

Olujimi emphasised the importance of finding a balance in airfare pricing so that more people could afford to travel by air and support the growth of the industry. While acknowledging that there may be valid reasons for the price increases, she warned that the industry would suffer if fares continued to rise steeply.

At the conference, Olujimi also stressed that picketing is not allowed in the aviation industry and called on the Nigeria Labour Congress and workers’ associations to find alternative means of resolving their grievances. She praised the heads of various agencies in the industry for their performance despite the challenges being faced, but noted that there is still much work to be done to improve the enforcement of laws and resolve outstanding issues.

The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Capt Rabiu Yadudu, highlighted the aim of the conference as providing a unified platform for all industry stakeholders to discuss challenges and proffer solutions. He also noted that the event would serve as a forum to attract prospective investors to the industry.