• Government orders talks to set “fair” Jet A1 prices
• Fuel costs jump nearly 267% in two months, straining airlines
• Sector warns of flight disruptions as fuel hits 40% of operating costs

Nigeria’s government has ordered urgent discussions to address soaring aviation fuel prices, as rising costs threaten the stability of domestic air travel.

President Bola Tinubu directed that negotiations begin to reach a price for Jet A1 fuel that authorities consider “fair and reasonable,” according to a statement by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo on April 23.

The talks will involve airlines, fuel suppliers, and aviation regulators. The aim is to prevent disruptions to domestic flights.

The move follows months of sharp increases in kerosene prices. In a letter dated April 14, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) warned authorities about the surge in Jet A1 prices.

✈️ NIGERIA’S AVIATION FUEL PRICE SURGE AND ITS IMPACT ON AIRFARES — (2022 — 2026)

Jet Fuel Price (₦ per litre)
2022 — ₦190
2026 — ₦3,300 ?? (Airlines threaten shutdown)

Price Increase — 17x

Average Airfare (₦)
2022 — ₦38,352.19
2026 — ₦153,647.90

Airfare Increase — 4x… https://t.co/ckbH9JI5b4

— StatiSense (@StatiSense) April 17, 2026

The price rose from about 900 nairas per liter (around $0.56) at the end of February to 3,300 nairas (more than $2) by mid-April. That marks an increase of about 267% in less than two months, a period that coincides with the escalation of tensions involving Iran.

Data from StatiSense shows the price has increased more than 17-fold compared with 190 nairas (around $0.12) in 2022. By comparison, Air Peace CEO Allen Onyeama said global price increases stood at about 30% over the same period.

According to AON, the surge has had a direct impact on operations. Fuel now accounts for about 40% of airlines’ operating costs in Nigeria, compared with a global average of 20% to 25%.

Several operators threatened to suspend flights in April as costs climbed. In response, Minister Keyamo convened an emergency meeting on April 23. Following the meeting, the government announced a 30% reduction in airline debt obligations and confirmed the launch of price negotiations.

Abdel-Latif Boureima