(Senator Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI)
(Senator Adeola contributing to motion on high air fares)
Contributing to the motion on exhorbitant air fares, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI) expressed deep concern over the sudden and alarming increase in airfares across the country.
He stated:
“Mr. President, the solution to this quagmire we find ourselves in regarding the sudden rise in aviation ticket prices is to bring all relevant stakeholders to the table.”
Reacting to points earlier raised by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Adeola acknowledged the issue of spare parts but emphasized that Nigerians should not be made to bear the burden of poor operational decisions by airline operators.
“It is not Nigerians who asked any airline operator to purchase aircraft that are over 30 or 40 years old. Some of these planes are obsolete.”
Interjecting, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, noted humorously that some aircraft in operation were as old as 59 years, a remark Senator Adeola affirmed.
Senator Adeola further identified critical factors that weaken the justification for the airfare hike:
1. No Corresponding Increase in Aviation Fuel or Taxes
He noted that there has been no recent increase in aviation fuel prices or statutory charges by the Federal Airports Authority or relevant agencies that would justify the sharp rise in fares.
2. Foreign Exchange Intervention
Senator Adeola recalled that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has, in the past and even presently, provided intervention measures, concessions, and preferential rates to airline operators.
“Given these facts, Mr. President, there is an urgent need to summon all relevant stakeholders and confront these issues squarely.”
He therefore moved that:
The Senate condemns the sudden and abysmal increase in airfares, and
All relevant stakeholders in the aviation sector, including the Minister of Aviation, be urgently invited to appear before the Senate to explain and address the rising cost of air travel in Nigeria.
The motion was thereafter put forward for consideration and secondment.
“The motion was put to a voice vote and passed”
OW–GPAG
CAUCUS 7202
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Lawal, on his part, is also a former Honourable Commissioner for Information,Youth, Sports and Culture of Osun state, his home state.
Biola Lawal had also successfully served two tenures as Press Secretary to the ECOMOG Force Commander in Liberia during the Liberian and Sierra Leone Civil wars. He was an outstanding NAN Defence and War Correspondent for many years.
The retired NAN Acting Boss holds the honour of being the only journalist that served two terms on the ECOMOG international assignment due to his high professionalism and decency.
He is a Co-Author of the book; ECOMOG, A BOLD ATTEMPT AT REGIONAL PEACEKEEPING! Edited Mrs Magaret Voght. The book remains the most. factual, detailed and authentic book on the ECOWAS sponsored ECOMOG Military operation.