Imo State House of Assembly members have called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to direct the state Ministry of Transport to seek ways of interfacing with airline operators to ensure an immediate reduction in airfares.
Local airlines recently announced a hike in air fares to eastern routes, with Owerri being the highest.
The motion was moved by the minority leader and member representing Aboh Mbaise state constituency, Rt. Hon. Princewill Amuchie and supported by 16 other lawmakers, who lamented that local airfares to Owerri had become exorbitant for many to afford.
Amuchie said, “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is a federal agency which is outside the jurisdiction of the state, but the ticket prices on Owerri route are taking heavy toll on Imo travellers.
“The cost of a flight ticket on the Owerri route is higher even when the distance and flight times are about the same as in other places. Hence, this house is appealing to FAAN and airline operators to be fair to our people in terms of flight ticket prices.
“These high ticket prices can be a barrier to air travel for many people, especially those with limited financial resources. Reducing flight ticket prices will boost economic activities in Imo State by making it easier for people to travel for their businesses, leisure and other purposes.
“The Ministry of Transport should work with the regulatory bodies to establish price controls or guidelines for airlines operating in Imo State, and the government should offer incentives to airlines that reduce their prices, such as tax breaks or subsidies, while more airlines should be encouraged to operate in Imo State to increase competition and drive down prices of their tickets.
“We therefore urge the governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, to direct the Ministry of Transport to intervene in reducing flight ticket prices to Owerri as a step towards making air travel more accessible to Imo State people,” Amuchie said.
The lawmakers also called on pricing agencies such as the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) to intervene and stop the airlines from extorting the people, as well as other business sectors.
