The House of Representatives has considered a motion urging the federal government to prioritise foreign exchange allocation at concessionary rates for airline operators in order to curb the rising cost of airfares in the country.

The House also called for the establishment of a Transparent Assessment Mechanism to determine the true minimum operational costs for airlines throughout the Yuletide season.

In addition, it sought the provision of targeted subsidy grants or palliative subsidies to bridge the gap between sustainable operational costs and the fare ceiling accessible to the public.

The House further mandated collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to prioritise concessionary foreign exchange access for airline operators.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a Matter of Urgent National Importance titled “The Exorbitant Rise of Airline Ticket Cost and the Consequential Impact on Security of Lives: Air Ambulance Cost,” sponsored by Obi Aguocha.

Leading the debate on the motion, Aguocha said the House notes “the exorbitant rising cost of airline tickets in the country currently affecting millions of Nigerian families.“

“Concerned that the soaring costs of domestic air travel have created a barrier preventing many from returning to their ancestral homes, where shared laughter and family connections are meant to thrive and improve our self-worth.”

Aguocha argued that while airline operators face challenges from high JetA1 fuel prices to currency fluctuations, the House must consider the broader implications of pricing strategies in the aviation sector.

“Concerned that the insatiable pursuit of profit should not come at the expense of the cultural bonds that define us as Nigerians.

“Cognizant that by temporarily reducing fares during this critical period, it would demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and national solidarity. Such an act would reaffirm to all citizens that the journey home is a fundamental right, accessible to every Nigerian, regardless of financial status.”

He further lamented the unprecedented rise in travel costs, warning that it poses a threat to the traditions that unite Nigerians during the festive season.

“Further urge the government to show decisiveness as they did last year with road transporters in providing support. It is imperative that similar assistance be extended to the aviation sector, which plays a critical role in both family reunification and national connectivity.”

After adopting the motion, the House referred it to the Committee on Aviation to interface with airline operators and the executive branch, and to report back within seven days for further legislative action.

The Nigerian Government has praised Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for his massive investment in education infrastructure, describing him as a “pacesetter” whose commitment is setting new national standards.

The commendation was delivered in Maiduguri by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, during the official commissioning of two newly constructed mega schools funded by the Zulum administration.

The two facilities—Kulogumna Mega Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, Kaleri—are fully equipped with laboratories, libraries, ICT resources and sports facilities designed to improve learning outcomes for thousands of students.

The schools have 48 and 60 classrooms respectively, built to modern standards to accommodate the rising demand for quality education in the state.

Performing the symbolic tape-cutting, the minister expressed astonishment at the level of educational development he witnessed in Borno.

According to him, the quality of infrastructure in the state’s primary and secondary schools surpasses what he has seen in some tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

 “We have a governor in the person of Professor Zulum who understands what governance is all about and who understands how to move a state and the nation forward.

I was humbled yesterday. The quality of primary, junior and senior secondary schools in Borno State blew me away.

I’ve visited many universities and polytechnics across the country that do not have the kind of infrastructure I have seen in a primary school here,” Alausa said.

Dr Alausa also commissioned the newly built Federal Government School in Ngarannam, funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and executed by the Federal Ministry of Education through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

The project adds to the expanding portfolio of collaborative educational development in the state.

In his remarks, Governor Zulum reaffirmed that education remains the backbone of Borno’s long-term recovery and growth strategy.

Teachers Welfare

He said there are ongoing plans to enhance teachers’ welfare, provide adequate accommodation and promote technical and vocational education.

“We have to ensure accommodations are being provided for teachers, and very soon the Borno State Government will roll out plans to motivate them.

Most importantly, there must be a deliberate effort to encourage technical and vocational education. Therefore, government will soon announce plans to increase teachers’ salaries,” Zulum said.

He further noted that the state has fully implemented the minimum wage for teachers at both primary and secondary school levels.

Lateefah Ibrahim