APRIL 01, 2026

BY  Nomsa Maseko, BBC Africa and Khanyisile Ngcobo, Reporting fromJohannesburg

Nigeria's high commission in South Africa has urged its citizens there to be cautious following an anti-illegal immigration protest in Eastern Cape province that turned violent.

On Monday, activists were holding a peaceful march in the port city of KuGompo (formerly East London). But disorder erupted after a protester said he was attacked by a foreigner, prompting demonstrators to damage several vehicles and shops.

The trouble came amid tension over the recent installation of a Nigerian community leader in the city, who has a traditional title that can be translated as "king of the Igbo people in East London".

Some South Africans in the local area saw this as an attempt to grab political power.

Traditional leader Xhanti Sigcawu, who was present at Monday's march, told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika the installation ceremony had left local chiefs feeling "undermined" as the area was the "territory of the Xhosas".

South Africa is home to about 2.4 million migrants, just less than 4% of the population, according to official figures.

Most come from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, which have a history of providing migrant labour to their wealthy neighbour. A smaller number come from Nigeria.

Xenophobia has long been an issue in South Africa which has been accompanied by occasional outbursts of deadly violence, and anti-migrant sentiment has become a key political talking-point.

The South African authorities, including KuGompo mayor Princess Faku , condemned Monday's trouble, which saw 10 vehicles set alight and local and foreign-owned shops looted.

"We supported the march because it is part of the efforts of defending our sovereignty but cannot condone violence. Violence doesn't solve problems… it's very sad that such an important march was turned into violence and chaos," Faku, who belongs to the African National Congress, said.

No arrests have been made.

The Nigerian high commission urged its citizens to limit movement and avoid public gatherings while tensions remain high.

The protest was organised by various civil society groups and political parties.

A fortnight ago, Solomon Ogbonna Eziko was recognised as the "Eze Ndi Igbo East London" by members of the local diaspora.

Installing an "Eze Ndi Igbo" is a common practice among Igbos living away from home.

The Igbo people, prominent in Nigeria's south-east, are one of the country's largest ethnic groups and are prominent in the diaspora.

While members of the Igbo community in KuGompo have recognised Eziko as their leader, his title is ceremonial and has no political meaning or cultural significance outside his community. Within the grouping, he is recognised as a mediator in minor disputes and is invited to local ceremonies.

A leader of South Africa's Igbo community, Dr ABC Okokoh, confirmed this, explaining to national broadcaster SABC that the ceremony recognising Eziko was a "private event".

"We are not here to establish a kingdom [or] a king because there are laws in this country that must be respected," he said.

He apologised for the "consequences that played out" as a result of the event.

Some South African cultural experts condemned the installation of Eziko as unlawful and a violation of customary protocols.

The Eastern Cape's cooperative governance department, which oversees traditional affairs in the province, distanced itself from the event and called for the respect of the country's laws.

During a picket by civil society groups in Pretoria on Tuesday of Nigeria's high commission, a diplomat also apologised to South Africans for the developments that followed Eziko's recognition.

Additional reporting by Adline Okere and Chimezie Ucheagbo

APRIL 01, 2026

By Olasunkanmi Akinlotan

Airfares have remained stagnant in Nigeria despite the rising cost of aviation fuel by 184 per cent in the last two months, occasioned by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

However, sources in different airlines who did not want their names in print, considering the sensitivity of the matter, told The PUNCH on Tuesday that the “pressure of competition” among local carriers kept the airfares low.

Aviation fuel, which was sold at N900 per litre in January, increased to N1,121 per litre as of 26 February 2026 and now sells for N2,557 per litre.

Aviation fuel is the highest consuming commodity of airlines’ finances, taking about 40 per cent of airlines’ resources. This is closely followed by aircraft maintenance.

Despite the spike in fuel prices and the financial burden on airlines, competition has been keeping the airlines in check against upping their ticket prices. Between January and March 30, the product has increased by 184 per cent; yet, airfares still sell for between N106,286 and N147,000 across major routes in the domestic market.

A search on the booking portal of Ibom Air, for instance, shows the Lagos-Abuja flight for April 4 goes for N114,600, while Uyo to Abuja on the same airline and date also sells for the same N114,500.

For United Nigeria Airlines’ portal, the Kano-Lagos flight from April 1 to April 7 sells for N142,500 for a one-way ticket, while the Lagos-Port Harcourt flight for the same date goes for the same N142,500 on the airline’s portal.

Besides, the Lagos-Abuja flight for April 4 on Aero Contractors goes for N106,286, while the Asaba-Abuja flight on the same airline sells for N102,179.

However, Air Peace is the most expensive on the local scene, with Lagos to Abuja air tickets for April 3 bookings selling for N147,000, while the return ticket – Abuja to Lagos – also goes for the same rate.

The airline source said that instead of the fares going up, the operators had kept them at the same price as two months ago, yet they were struggling to remain in business.

The source also attributed the situation to the number of scheduled indigenous operators, in spite of low passenger traffic.

As of the time of filing this report, there are about 15 scheduled operators, while another two airlines in February and March, Enugu Air and Binani Airlines, respectively, secured Air Operators’ Certificates from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, which would enable them to operate.

Nigeria’s passenger traffic has been on a steady decline in recent years. The industry recorded 15.6 million passenger movements on domestic and international routes in 2024, 15.8 million in 2023 and 16.2 million in 2022.

One of the sources said, “It’s the pressure of competition. Instead of going up, the pressure on pricing is downwards because of the number of players and the pricing they have entered the market with. It’s simply competitive pressure that keeps airfares stagnant.”

He, however, said that his airline was reviewing the current situation and would come up with a position in the coming weeks.

Data obtained from major fuel marketers in Nigeria indicated that aviation fuel currently goes for N2,557 per litre at Sokoto Airport, making it the airport with the most expensive sales of the product in Nigeria.

This is followed by Kano, which sells the product at N2,554 per litre, while both Port Harcourt and Asaba report rates of N2,543 per litre.

Besides, the product goes for N2,538 per litre at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; Enugu airport, N2,535 per litre; and Warri airport, N2,530 per litre.

For Anambra airport, the product goes for N2,529 per litre; for Asaba airport, N2,528 per litre, with Lagos recording the cheapest rate of aviation fuel at N2,500 per litre.

While operators refused to comment on the development despite calls and text messages, industry experts expressed their views. Aviation analyst Olumide Ohunayo warned that even if airlines make fare adjustments, they may not be sufficient to offset the mounting losses triggered by the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices, describing the situation as unsustainable for operators.

Ohunayo, who spoke amid growing concerns over escalating ticket costs, said airlines are caught in a difficult position where even significant fare increases may still fall short of covering operational expenses.

He said, “No matter the increase that they can make now, they may not be able to recoup their losses as a result of the fuel increase. When you compare the prices with other nations, you will discover that the fuel price in Nigeria is on the high side.”

He highlighted the rapid spike in fuel prices within a short period, noting that the trend has placed enormous pressure on airline operations.

The industry expert expressed concern that, unlike other countries, Nigeria has yet to implement measures to ease the burden on both operators and consumers.

He said, “It was about N1,000 in January, N1,500 in February, and it has now moved to over N2,500 in March. And this is the same country where Dangote is exporting this same fuel to Europe, and you will then begin to imagine what incentives are given to cushion this development.

“Other countries are bringing in their reserves to reduce the effects on the citizenry, and they have also reduced their taxes, in some cases up to 50 per cent. An example of that is Australia.”

Ohunayo questioned the response of the Nigerian government, urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent further strain on the aviation sector.

He called for targeted interventions, including temporary tax reliefs for airlines, to help cushion the impact of rising costs, saying, “What is the Nigerian government doing to reduce the effect of this on Nigerians? So, I feel that no matter the eventual increase from airline operators, it still cannot be enough.

“There must be a way to support operators during this period, maybe by reducing their taxes for three months. There must be a way for the government to come in. Why are the operators the ones bearing the highest cost?”

A retired pilot, Muhammad Badamosi, has said airlines may be reluctant to further increase airfares despite rising operational costs, citing fears of losing passengers to road transport amid the current economic realities.

He said, “Yes, I think it’s the fear of losing passengers because Nigerians currently do not have money, and many may have to resort to road travel. Yes, we understand that that is taking a toll on the operators, but it is what it is. That is the condition Nigeria currently finds itself in.”

Badamosi explained that while airlines are under pressure to adjust fares in response to rising aviation fuel costs, they are also constrained by the risk of pricing themselves out of the market.

According to him, the situation has created a difficult balance for operators, who must navigate between sustaining their businesses and retaining customer patronage.

“For instance, I used to visit Kaduna once every two months, but now I have cut it down to three times a year. My frequency used to be six times a year; now I go there three times a year.”

APRIL 01, 2026

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran hit an oil tanker off the coast of Qatar and Kuwait’s airport on Wednesday while airstrikes battered Tehran — an unrelenting tempo hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said he was nearly ready to wind down the war.

Trump, who is scheduled to address the nation later in the day, said he could walk away from the war in two to three weeks once he felt confident Iran would not be able to build a nuclear weapon — even if Tehran does not agree to a ceasefire.

That raised the possibility that the U.S. could withdraw without any guarantee from Iran that it would stop bombing its Gulf Arab neighbors or release its grip on the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

A fifth of the world’s traded oil passes through the strait in peacetime and Tehran’s stranglehold, along with its strikes on energy infrastructure in the region, has caused oil prices to skyrocket, with far-reaching consequences for the global economy. Even if the strait were to reopen quickly, some effects like higher food prices could persist for months or longer.

It’s also not clear what Israel, which began bombing Iran alongside the U.S. on Feb. 28, would do if the U.S. pulls out without a deal. It also leaves open the question of what Iran might do with the highly enriched uranium still in its stockpiles.

No signs of Iran relinquishing its grip on the Strait of Hormuz

Trump’s comments offered another mixed signal from the American leader who has offered shifting objectives for the war and repeatedly said it could be over soon while also threatening to widen the conflict. Thousands of additional U.S. troops are currently heading to the Middle East, and speculation abounds about the purpose of their deployment.

Just days ago, Trump warned that the U.S. would attack Iran’s power plants if Tehran did not reopen the strait by April 6. He has also threatened to attack Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub and possibly desalination plants.

But on Tuesday, Trump said the U.S. “will not have anything to do with” ensuring the security of ships passing through Hormuz.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signaled Tehran’s willingness to keep fighting.

“You cannot speak to the people of Iran in the language of threats and deadlines,” he said. “We do not set any deadline for defending ourselves.”

Trump has been under growing pressure to end the war as oil prices have skyrocketed, pushing up the cost of gasoline, food and other goods. The spot price of Brent crude, the international standard, was up more than 40% since the start of the war, trading at more than $103 a barrel on Wednesday.

It’s unclear where diplomatic efforts stand

The U.S. has presented Iran with a 15-point plan aimed at bringing about a ceasefire, including a demand for the strait to be reopened and for is nuclear program to be rolled back.

Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful. Its own five-point response includes retaining sovereignty over the strait.

In the interview with Al Jazeera, Araghchi acknowledged receiving direct messages from U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff. He insisted, however, that there were no direct negotiations and said Iran has no faith that talks with the U.S. could yield any results, saying “the trust level is at zero.”

He warned against any U.S. attempt to launch a ground offensive, saying “we are waiting for them.”

Iran hits tanker off Qatar’s coast and attacks other Gulf states

A cruise missile slammed into an oil tanker off Qatar’s coast Wednesday, the Defense Ministry said. The 21-member crew of the tanker, contracted by state-owned QatarEnergy, was evacuated and no casualties were reported.

A fully-loaded Kuwaiti oil tanker came under attack off Dubai the day before, one of more than 20 ships attacked by Iran during the war.

In the United Arab Emirates, a person was killed when he was hit by debris from an intercepted drone in Fujairah, one of the country’s seven emirates.

Bahrain sounded two alerts for incoming missiles, while Kuwait’s state-run KUNA news agency said a drone hit a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, sparking a large fire.

Two drones were also intercepted in Saudi Arabia, and air raid sirens sounded in Israel though there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

An airstrike on Tehran, meanwhile, appeared to have hit the former U.S. Embassy compound, which has been controlled by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard since American diplomats were held hostage there in 1979.

Witnesses said buildings outside the massive compound had their windows blown out and that it appears the strike happened inside the walled facility.

Israel also said it hit a plant in Iran producing fentanyl, a synthetic opioid. Israel and the United States have alleged in recent years that Iran was experimenting with using fentanyl in chemical weapons.

Iran acknowledged a strike Tuesday on Tofigh Daru factory, but insisted it only supplied “hospital drugs.” Hospitals use fentanyl to treat severe pain but it can also be fatal.

Israel strikes Lebanon

In Lebanon, at least five people were killed in an Israeli strike on a Beirut neighbourhood.

Israel invaded southern Lebanon after the Iran-linked Hezbollah militant group began launching missiles into northern Israel days after the outbreak of the war. Many Lebanese fear another prolonged military occupation.

More than 1,200 people have been killed in Lebanon and more than 1 million displaced, according to authorities. Ten Israeli soldiers have also died there.

In Iran, authorities say more than 1,900 people have been killed, while 19 have been reported dead in Israel. More than two dozen people have died in Gulf states and the occupied West Bank, while 13 U.S. service members have been killed.

___

Jon Gambrell and David Rising, The Associated Press

APRIL 08, 2026

...others are Ghana, Barbados and Jamaica

By Ngozi Ekugo

Nigeria has been named among countries that could face visa restrictions from the United Kingdom (UK) under a proposed policy by Reform UK, UK’s political party if it seeks slavery reparations.

Slavery reparations are actions, including monetary payments, structural reforms, or formal apologies, intended to redress the enduring economic, social, and psychological injustices inflicted upon victims of slavery and their descendants. It is a form of reparatory justice aimed at fixing the lasting legacy of human rights abuses

The party identified Nigeria, Ghana, Barbados and Jamaica as countries pursuing reparatory justice from Britain, warning that such demands could result in the denial of visitor and work visas if it forms a future government.

This proposal comes amid renewed global debate over reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, following a recent resolution by the United Nations General Assembly, which declared the transatlantic slave trade “the gravest crime against humanity”. The resolution stressed that reparation claims “represent a concrete step towards remedying historical wrongs against Africans and people of African descent”.

Adopted by 123 votes to three, with the UK abstaining, the resolution is not legally binding but is widely seen by analysts as a strong political signal.

Reacting to the vote, António Guterres, UN secretary-general said the wealth of many Western nations was “built on stolen lives and stolen labour”. He added that slavery “was not simply forced labour”, but “a machinery of mass exploitation and deliberate dehumanisation of men, women and children”, warning that its legacy remains deep and often unrecognised.

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Historically, Britain transported an estimated three million Africans across the Atlantic before abolishing the slave trade in the early 19th century. However, successive UK governments have consistently rejected calls for reparations.

Last month, Kemi Badenoch, conservative party leader reiterated this position, stating that the UK should not pay compensation for “a crime we helped eradicate and still fight today”.

Under its proposed framework, Reform UK said it would treat actions such as the establishment of national reparations committees, tabling motions at the UN, pursuing high court claims or issuing official declarations as formal demands for compensation.

The party stated that from this point, any country making such demands would face immediate visa restrictions under a Reform-led government. Zia Yusuf, Reform’s home affairs spokesman argued that countries seeking reparations “ignore the fact that Britain made huge sacrifices to be the first major power to outlaw slavery and enforce this prohibition”.

Meanwhile, calls for reparations continue to gain traction across Africa and the Caribbean. The Caribbean Community, comprising 21 countries, has long advanced a 10-point plan for reparatory justice, including a formal apology, debt cancellation and investment to address illiteracy and public health challenges.

Political reaction in the UK has been mixed, as a Labour Party spokesperson described Reform’s proposal as a “desperate gimmick”, while the Conservatives declined to comment.

Speaking after the meeting, Keir Starmer, prime minister maintained that there had been no discussions about financial compensation, adding that the UK remains “very clear” in its position that it will not pay reparations.

APRIL 13, 2026

By Joseph Erunke

The Federal Government on Thursday dismissed concerns arising from a recent United States advisory authorising the departure of non-emergency personnel from its Abuja embassy, describing the move as a routine precaution that does not reflect Nigeria’s overall security reality.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement through his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, reassured citizens and the international community that the country remains stable, with public institutions functioning optimally and no disruption to governance, economic activities, or daily life.

The minister emphasised that the US decision was guided strictly by its internal protocols and should not be misconstrued as an indication of widespread insecurity across Nigeria.

“While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general breakdown of law and order, and the vast majority of the country remains stable,” Idris stated.

Highlighting ongoing efforts to tackle security threats, the government pointed to sustained gains recorded through coordinated military operations, intelligence-driven interventions, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.

According to Idris, recent operations in affected regions have successfully disrupted criminal networks, curtailed the activities of armed groups, and improved safety in vulnerable communities.

“Our security agencies remain actively engaged in protecting lives and property, and the results of these efforts are increasingly evident,” he said.

The government further underscored Nigeria’s openness to global engagement, reaffirming that the country remains a viable destination for business, travel, and investment.

Idris noted that ongoing economic reforms are boosting investor confidence and strengthening Nigeria’s international standing, with foreign partners continuing to engage actively with the country.

While recognising the right of nations to issue travel advisories based on their assessments, the Federal Government called for balanced and up-to-date reporting that reflects the progress being made on ground.

“We encourage our international partners to continuously engage with Nigerian authorities to obtain a more comprehensive and current understanding of the situation,” the minister added.

Reiterating its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the government assured both citizens and visitors of its resolve to sustain security improvements and maintain Nigeria’s status as a safe and welcoming destination.

APRIL 13, 2026

Nigeria's finance minister announced on Monday that the country will be seeking stronger international financial support during this week's IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings as a result of the Iran War, which has increased fuel prices at home and complicated reforms.

Wale Edun, Africa's leading oil producer, said that the surge in crude prices has benefited him by boosting his foreign exchange earnings. This statement was made ahead of this week's Washington meetings.

He added, "But the shock occurs at a critical transition point that intensifies inflationary pressures while raising household living costs."

Since the beginning of the conflict, petrol prices have increased by more than 50%, to 1,330 Naira ($0.9788) a litre, and diesel prices have increased by more than 70%, to 1,550?naira per litre, affecting?people? and?businesses?, Edun stated.

The abrupt?change could derail the reforms that were launched in 2023 for stabilising the economy and reviving growth.

Bola Tinubu, Nigeria's President, has launched the most ambitious economic reform in Nigerian history by ending the costly fuel and electricity subsidies and devaluing its currency.

Edun, the G24 chair, has said that he will push for lower borrowing rates, fairer global financial conditions, and more support for reforming countries at this week's meetings.

The government reported that Nigeria's benchmark Bonny Light crude grade rose from $70-$73 per barrel to its current level of over $120.

The 'World Bank' said that the inflation rate slowed sharply in February to 15.06 percent from 33%?in December 2024. However, it remains high when compared to other countries and is under renewed pressure since the start of the conflict.

Edun said the government would concentrate on attracting private investments, creating jobs, and sustaining economic growth while protecting vulnerable households from price increases. $1 = 1,358.8200 Naira (Written by Elisha Gbogbo, edited by Andrew Heavens). 

APRIL 15, 2026

By Chinelo Obogo 
 
Barring any meaningful intervention, domestic carriers on the platform of Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) have threatened to shut down operations on Monday, April 20  over a 300 percent increase in aviation fuel, accusing marketers of exploitattion.
 
Daily Sun exclusively learnt that the planned withdrawal of services was contained in a letter dated April 14, 2026 from the AON President, Abdulmunaf Sarina.  He revealed that the price of aviation fuel has increased from N900 per litre on February 28 to N3,300 per litre in less than two months and that while crude oil prices have increased by about 30 percent internationally, saying that the spike in jet A1 costs by fuel marketers in Nigeria has been disproportionate and indicative of market exploitation rather than genuine supply dynamics.
 
In the letter, which was addressed to the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Clement Isong, the AON said this was their final word and that if the cost of fuel is not reversed, flight operations will be shut down. The letter was  copied to President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Capt. Chris Najomo, and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS).
 
“The actions of fuel marketers are effectively decimating the aviation industry and putting the country’s economy, safety, and security at risk as airlines are gradually being forced to suspend operations. For the avoidance of doubt, this arbitrary increase has already seriously impacted a particular airline and forced it to ground all its operations since March 13, 2026. This is an inevitable consequence for all other airlines if the situation does not change immediately.
“The airlines are now facing existential threats with grave attendant consequences to the overall wellbeing of the nation.  If we price our tickets to reflect the current price of aviation fuel, we will be flying empty planes. If the airlines go out of business, banks will take a hit, millions of people will lose their means of livelihood, and insecurity will be on the rise. We therefore urge you to promptly prevail on marketers to proportionately adjust jet fuel prices in line with the international market rate as airlines can no longer afford to purchase the product at the current exorbitant rates.
“Therefore, we hereby give notice that if the current trend persists, all the airlines in Nigeria will be forced to suspend operations with effect from Monday April 20, 2026. This is our final plea.”
 
 
The association had raised the alarm as far back as March 30, 2026, in an earlier letter to the marketers’ association, when fuel had increased to N2,557 per litre, demanding a reversal within 48 hours. 
The March 30th letter read; “In recent weeks, we have observed with great concern the astronomical rise in the cost of Aviation Fuel (Jet A1) from an initial cost of N900/Litre as at February 28, 2026 to N2,557/Litre as at today; which is approximately a 200% increase.
“This astronomical rise in the cost of JetA1 among your members far outstrips the globally accepted norm of pricing fuel products proportionately with the level of rise in crude oil prices.
What we have seen, however, is a systematic and unilateral increase in the price of aviation fuel over and above globally accepted standards amounting to price volatility levels far higher than most global markets. This is totally unacceptable as it appears oil marketers have cashed in on the unfortunate situation of the war in the Middle East to astronomically increase the cost of the product.
Aviation fuel accounts for about 40% of airlines operational cost. Increasing the cost of JetA1 significantly above global thresholds poses a serious threat to the survival of airlines and puts the aviation Industry and indeed the nation at risk of total collapse.
“We therefore call on you to use the instrument of your exalted office to urgently bring down this artificial and exorbitant cost of Aviation Fuel within 48 hours otherwise airlines will be forced to take other measures to ensure their survival and protect the flying public from unnecessary exploitation.”

APRIL 16, 2026

BY Olasunkanmi Akinlotan and Princess Etuk

Nigeria’s aviation industry is on the brink of a shutdown as airline operators warn that soaring jet fuel prices have pushed the sector to a breaking point, raising fears of widespread flight suspensions and economic disruption.

Under the aegis of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, the carriers disclosed that the price of Jet A1 has surged by over 300 per cent in less than three months. This represents a jump from N900 per litre as at February 28 to about N3,300 currently, an increase they described as “astronomical” and unsustainable.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Clement Isong, with President Bola Tinubu copied, the operators lamented the spike, saying, “Permit us to further bring to your notice that the price of Jet A1 as sold by marketers has risen significantly from N900 per litre as at February 28, 2026, to N3,300 per litre as at today. This represents an increase of over 300 per cent.”

The group faulted the pricing regime, arguing that it bears no correlation with global oil market realities. AON said, “This astronomical and artificial increase is not commensurate with the rise in crude oil prices and is well above international market benchmarks, which reflect approximately a 30 per cent increase in crude oil cost.”

The airlines said they have absorbed the rising costs to keep flights running for a while, but hinted that their resilience has been overstretched. “For the past four weeks, airlines have endured this burden and continued operations out of patriotism and in the spirit of service to the nation. However, the situation has now become unbearable and clearly unsustainable,” the operators added.

They warned that the financial strain has eroded their capacity to operate, stressing that earnings can no longer cover even basic fuel expenses. The operators accused fuel marketers of crippling the sector, cautioning that the consequences could ripple across the economy and national security.

“Currently, airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone, which is only one of many operational expenses incurred daily. The situation continues to deteriorate. The actions of fuel marketers are effectively decimating the aviation industry and putting the nation’s economy, safety, and security at risk, as airlines are gradually being forced to suspend operations.”

The association further revealed that at least one airline has shut down operations under the weight of rising fuel costs. “For the avoidance of doubt, this arbitrary increase has already severely impacted one airline, forcing it to ground all operations since March 13, 2026. This may become inevitable for other airlines if the situation does not change immediately,” AON warned.

Painting a grim picture of the human and economic impact, the operators said millions of livelihoods are at stake. “If ticket prices are adjusted to reflect the current cost of aviation fuel, flights will operate with low passenger loads. Conversely, if airlines cease operations, financial institutions will be impacted, millions of livelihoods will be lost, and insecurity may increase,” they cautioned.

AON, however, appealed for urgent intervention, urging marketers to align prices with global benchmarks. “We therefore urge you to prevail on marketers to proportionately adjust jet fuel prices in line with international market realities, as airlines can no longer sustain purchases at the current exorbitant rates,” the letter stated.

The operators issued a shutdown notice, fixing April 20, 2026, as a possible date for industry-wide suspension if no action is taken. “Accordingly, we hereby give NOTICE that if this trend persists, all airlines in Nigeria will be compelled to suspend operations effective Monday, April 20, 2026. This serves as our final appeal,” the statement concluded.

Copies of the letter were also sent to Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services.

When contacted, industry experts threw their weight behind the operators, warning that airlines cannot be expected to continue operations at a loss without urgent government intervention.

An aviation analyst, Olumide Ohunayo, said the situation has stretched operators beyond their limits. He said, “They have been pushed to their elastic limits. We are an oil-producing country; other countries would have made strategic reserves for their citizens or cut off taxes. This is about the second month, and the government has not reacted, and all these things are not done anywhere.”

Ohunayo faulted the government’s silence on the development in the last two months, urging authorities to adopt global best practices.

He stated, “The government should have looked at what has been done in other climates. I support their letters; we must even thank them for not reflecting the realities in the cost of tickets. You can imagine that aviation fuel has gone up to over 200 per cent.”

He further stressed that while direct subsidies may be contentious, targeted intervention is necessary to sustain flight operations. “You might not give subsidies to price carriers, but what about the scheduled operations? Something urgent should be done,” he said.

Another industry expert, Muhammed Badasi, also backed the airlines, noting that no business can survive prolonged losses. “These people are businessmen, and no one wants to run a business at a loss, so I think they have a point there,” he said.

Badasi, however, advised operators to strengthen their case with comparative data, warning that increasing ticket prices may not provide a solution, given declining passenger demand at current airfares.

He stressed, “What they should also do is to prepare a database to compare the cost of fuel in Nigeria with other countries, as well as charges. If this is presented to the government, they will understand that the airlines have done their best.

“The alternative is to increase airfares, and increasing airfares in commensurate with fuel price will not yield results because people are already running away from flying due to the current prices.”