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Senate Summons Aviation Minister, Keyamo, Over Hike in Flight Ticket Prices

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Senate on Tuesday summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, along with heads of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), over the sudden and steep increase in domestic flight ticket prices.

The minister and heads of the agencies are expected to appear before lawmakers in a closed-door session on a date to be announced.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Buhari Abdulfatai.

While presenting his motion, Mr Abdulfatai lamented that airfares across Nigerian airlines had risen sharply due to the festive season, a development he said would force many Nigerians to forgo travel because of insecurity on the roads.

The senator, who represents Oyo North Senatorial District, said he had previously engaged airline operators on the issue, but the high fares persisted. He therefore urged the Senate to empower its aviation committee to intervene.

One-way airfares on some domestic routes have risen by as much as 150 per cent, with tickets costing at least N300,000. Before the festive period, domestic flight tickets averaged around N120,000, but prices have reportedly surged to as high as N400,000.

Given the worsening insecurity on major highways, many Nigerians prefer to travel by air, but the soaring cost of tickets is a major hindrance.

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Contributing to the debate, Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central), described the fare hike as unacceptable in a country where the minimum wage is N70,000. He noted that a civil servant would have to save for up to six months to afford a one-way flight.

“The synopsis of the motion was given that the minimum wage for Nigeria is 70,000 Naira. It means a civil servant will have to save five months’ salary or even six months’ salary before they could afford a one-way ticket to Lagos,” he said.

Mr Aliero, a former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), questioned the rationale behind the sudden increase in air fares and insisted that the Senate must summon all stakeholders to explain the hike.

“Mr President, this is unaffordable, and there has not been a corresponding increase in aviation fares. There has not been a corresponding increase in the airport charges from either FAN, NCAA or Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. So we need to summon all the stakeholders and question them on why this hike is announced.

“And not only that, Mr. President, we need to halt this increase in order to save Nigerians from exploitation. Mr. President, it is normal for airlines at the end of the year to increase fares, but not as it is announced today. An increase of 10 to 15 per cent is understandable, but not an increase of over 200 per cent. So if we do that, honestly speaking, Mr. President, we are allowing exploitation of Nigerians,” he added.

Peter Nwebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North) also condemned the sharp increase, saying he attempted to book a flight from Abuja to Enugu and was shocked to discover that Air Peace Airline was charging N500,000 and Ibom Air, N460,000.

“Just this morning, I called my personal assistant to get a ticket for me for the 13th of December from Abuja to Enugu, and shockingly, Mr. President, the cost for a one-way ticket from Abuja to Enugu is N500,000 for Air Peace and N460,000 for Ibom Air. Mr. President, this is unheard of. This is over a 400 per cent increment at a go. We never had it this way,” he said.

Adeola Olamilekan (APC, Ogun West) called for a comprehensive engagement with all aviation stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the problem.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, accused airlines of exploiting Nigerians.

“It is very clear that Nigerians are being exploited and people are taking advantage of Nigerians,” he said.

Mr Akpabio subsequently put the motion to a voice vote, and it received overwhelming support.

After taking the vote, the senate president said the planned meeting with the aviation minister and relevant agencies was necessary to address the abysmal fare increase and to prevent disruptions to travel during the Christmas period.

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APC forum commends Gov Yusuf, backs Garo for stronger Kano leadership

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A political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Emerging Progressives Leaders’ Forum (EPLF), has praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for what it described as a bold and strategic move in selecting Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor.

Garo, who previously served as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in Kano State, was described by the group as a seasoned administrator with a deep understanding of governance and party structure.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Hafiz Idris, the forum said the appointment reflects a firm grasp of Kano’s political realities and the need for experienced leadership to strengthen governance in the state.

The group pointed to Garo’s record in public service, citing his administrative competence, loyalty to party ideals, and consistent ability to deliver results.

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It added that his contributions to the growth of the APC in Kano remain notable, portraying him as a trusted figure within the party.

According to the forum, Garo’s emergence is expected to unify party members, bridge internal divides, and foster stronger cohesion ahead of future political activities.

The statement noted that Garo’s grassroots connection and political experience would not only consolidate governance but also reposition the APC for greater unity and influence in Kano State.

The forum further called on party members to support the new deputy governor, stressing that collective backing is essential for sustaining progress and achieving shared political objectives.

It also expressed optimism that the partnership between Yusuf and Garo would usher in a period of stability, inclusiveness, and effective leadership in the state.

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Nigerian Democratic Working Group Endorses Nomination of Murtala Garo as Deputy Governor

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The Nigerian Democratic Working Group has formally endorsed the nomination of Hon. Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor of Kano State, describing the move as “timely and strategically aligned with the principles of effective governance and democratic consolidation.” This was contained in a statement signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Mohammed Hussaini, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

In the statement, the group commended Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for what it called “a well-considered move that reflects political maturity, inclusiveness, and a commitment to strengthening institutional leadership.” According to Hussaini, the nomination demonstrates the Governor’s resolve to build a leadership team capable of delivering on the administration’s promises.

The group emphasized that the nomination underscores the importance of placing experienced and capable individuals in key leadership positions. “This decision enhances governance outcomes and ensures policy implementation that resonates with grassroots realities,” the statement read, stressing the need for leaders who understand the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.

Highlighting the qualities of the nominee, the group noted: “The nomination of Hon. Murtala Sule Garo represents a significant step toward reinforcing administrative efficiency and promoting cohesive governance. It is a decision that highlights the Governor’s dedication to competence, loyalty, and service to the people.” The statement added that Garo’s track record in public service makes him a strong candidate for the role.

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The Nigerian Democratic Working Group further pointed to Garo’s extensive experience in public administration and his active engagement in political processes. “Hon. Garo is well-positioned to support the Governor in delivering on the administration’s development agenda,” Hussaini stated, underscoring the nominee’s potential to strengthen policy execution.

Calling for broad-based support, the group urged political stakeholders across party lines to rally behind the nomination. “We call on APC political stakeholders, irrespective of party affiliations, to support the nomination in the interest of unity, stability, and sustainable development within the state,” the statement declared.

Emphasizing collaboration, the group appealed to political actors to prioritize collective progress over partisan differences. “Enduring governance success depends on shared responsibility and inclusive participation,” Hussaini said, noting that unity among political leaders is essential for long-term stability.

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, the Nigerian Democratic Working Group pledged continued support for initiatives that promote good governance, institutional strength, and improved service delivery across Kano State. “We remain dedicated to advancing policies that strengthen democracy and enhance the welfare of citizens,” the statement affirmed.

The group expressed confidence in the Governor’s choice. “We categorically express our confidence that the nomination will further enhance governance structures and contribute meaningfully to the realization of long-term developmental goals in Kano State,” Hussaini said.

 

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Coalition Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plot to Undermine Barau’s 2027 Re-election Bid

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A political pressure group, the Kano State Coalition for Good Governance, has publicly accused unnamed actors of orchestrating efforts to sabotage the anticipated 2027 re-election bid of Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.

Addressing journalists on Wednesda the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Kano , the coalition’s president, Mukhtar Gadanya, alleged that “disgruntled elements” within and outside Kano State are mobilizing resources to disrupt what he described as the “widely supported” political future of the senator representing Kano North Senatorial District.

The group said its members, drawn from all 44 local government areas of Kano State, convened the press conference to alert the public to what it termed a “dangerous and anti-democratic plot” aimed at denying constituents the continuation of Barau’s representation beyond 2027.

 

Gadanya claimed that certain political actors, including what he described as a “failed politician allegedly backed by external interests,” are preparing to challenge Barau through “dubious means” in the next general elections. According to him, the move is part of a broader strategy to destabilize Kano’s political landscape and undermine the senator’s growing national influence.

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“We have credible information that significant resources have been deployed toward this agenda,” Gadanya said. “However, we remain confident that such efforts will fail given the overwhelming grassroots support enjoyed by Senator Barau.”

The coalition used the briefing to outline what it described as Barau’s legislative and developmental track record. It credited him with sponsoring or co-sponsoring nearly 50 bills in the Senate, including the establishment of the North West Development Commission.

Other achievements listed include the upgrade of the Federal College of Education in Kano to a university, the facilitation of the Federal University of Science and Technology in Kabo, and the expansion of educational opportunities through local and international scholarship programs.

The group also pointed to infrastructure and empowerment initiatives such as road construction, installation of solar streetlights, establishment of power projects in Bichi, Kabo, and Dawanau, as well as the annual distribution of thousands of bags of fertilizer to farmers across the senatorial district.

 

Gadanya suggested that Barau’s perceived effectiveness and rising profile could position him for higher leadership roles in the Senate if re-elected, a factor he believes may be driving opposition against him.

“There are clear indications that his performance has earned him national recognition, and this may be unsettling to some political interests,” he said.

 

The coalition called on all political actors to respect democratic principles and refrain from actions that could incite instability. It urged stakeholders to allow voters in Kano North to determine their representation freely in 2027.

The group also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as his continued support for Barau and Kano State.

“Any attempt to override the will of the people will not stand,” Gadanya concluded. “The people of Kano North remain resolute in their support for Senator Barau.”

 

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