The House of Representatives has ordered its Committees on Aviation, Commerce, and Human Rights to open an investigation into the state of Nigerian airports.
They are also expected to investigate the activities of airline operators and the coordinating/regulatory agencies in the aviation sector.
Hon Simon Karu, representing Gombe’s Kaltungo/Shongom constituency, moved the motion titled: “Need to investigate the poor performance and high charges by airlines operators in Nigeria”.
He decried the regular domestic flight disruptions which he said was against the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulations and contravene international standards and best practices.
The lawmaker added that the burden of air travelers had increased owing to around a 100 percent increase in local airfares.
Karu lamented that Nigeria had the most expensive price regimes of local airfares, with a return trip for an economy class ticket now going for about N100,000.
The lawmaker accused local airline operators of exploiting Nigerians with exorbitant charges, stating the situation was inimical to consumer protection principles.
Karu decried the shutdown of automated common user check-in platforms at international airports, leading to chaotic scenes and the use of alternative platforms by foreign airlines to screen and check-in passengers.
He described the expiration of the 10-year contract between the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and with foreign automation firm, State Information Technology Agency (SITA).
Karu said the exorbitant domestic airfares, breakdown of critical infrastructure and cancellation of flights have caused air travelers discomfort, requiring attention and investigation.
“That is a very, very good motion. In fact, we have all witnessed these things”, said Speaker Femi Gbajabiamiala.
The mandated committees were given eight weeks to submit their report to the House.