By Yemi Akinsuyi
Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), an environmental and human rights organization, expresses deep concern and unequivocal condemnation over the exploitative, unfair, and inhumane hike in air ticket prices to the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria ahead of the 2025 Christmas season.
According to Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director, Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), reports reaching FENRAD indicated that return tickets to cities such as Enugu, Owerri, Asaba, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and Calabar now cost as high as ₦450,000, an amount that is not only outrageous but also blatantly exclusionary.
“This pricing trend—occurring annually around festive seasons—amounts to institutionalized economic discrimination against travellers to the South-East and South-South.
“As an organization committed to equity, justice, and the protection of citizens’ socio-economic rights, FENRAD views this predatory pricing as:a violation of consumer rights, an enabler of regional marginalization, burden on citizens struggling under harsh economic realities, and a threat to free movement as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution
“It is unacceptable that airline operators continue to take undue advantage of increased seasonal travel demand to exploit Nigerians, particularly those returning home to celebrate with their families. The cost of travel—whether by road or air—has risen astronomically, pushing millions of citizens into hardship and preventing many from reconnecting with their roots during this culturally significant period”, he stated.
FENRAD urgently called on the following bodies to intervene decisively: Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN),Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Aviation Committees of the National Assembly, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
“We demand immediate investigations into the current airfare regime and pricing model of airlines. Possible collusion or price-fixing within the aviation sector. Compliance with consumer-protection laws and anti-monopoly regulations, the need for a regulated fare cap during peak travel seasons, the National Assembly must step in with stronger oversight to ensure fair competition, prevent exploitative practices, and protect the rights of citizens who rely on air travel for safety and convenience—especially given the insecurity challenges that plague road transport routes”, he stated.
