Air Fare Disparity: Senate Summons Aviation Minister, BA, Virgin

The Senate Committee on Aviation has invited the Ministers of Aviation, Stella Oduah-Ogiemwonyi, and her Foreign Affairs counterpart, Mr Gbenga Ashiru, to explain the prevalence of violation of aviation laws by foreign airlines as well as the lapses in the operation of the regulatory agencies.

Others invited for the hearing which will commence on Monday, include all foreign airlines, including, British Airways(BA) and Virgin Atlantic, as well as all regulatory agencies in the aviation sector.

The senate had during plenary in March 28 debated the disparity in air fares paid by Nigerians as against what other countries pay as charged by BA and Virgin Atlantic. The upper chamber subsequently mandated the committee to commence an investigation into the issue.

Speaking with journalists yesterday, the Chairman of the Committee,? Hope Uzodinma said all the foreign airlines operating in the country have been summoned over the issue.

He added that the intention of the probe is not to join issues with any country but to deal with all issues of violation in the aviation industry.

“We call on all stakeholders in the sector to submit memoranda to the committee. We have invited Minister of Aviation, Minister of Foreign Affairs; all foreign Airlines, the various agencies.