FG Urges Airlines to Avoid Shutdown Amid Fuel Price Surge

On April 16, 2026, the Nigerian Federal Government, through Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Keyamo, appealed to airlines to halt their planned shutdown of flight operations scheduled for April 20, 2026. This shutdown was prompted by a significant surge in jet fuel prices, which have risen above N3,000 per liter.

Keyamo acknowledged the severe pressure this cost spike places on airline operations and warned of the broad economic consequences if services were suspended. He emphasized that aviation is a key sector for national trade and logistics and noted ongoing high-level emergency meetings scheduled for April 22, 2026, to address the situation.

The Minister highlighted that the rise in aviation fuel costs, which account for 40% of Nigerian airlines' operational costs, could lead to unsustainable operational conditions. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has projected that African airlines will continue to face profit margin squeezes in 2026 due to high operational costs.