. Urges him to direct Transport Ministry to intervene
By CHINYERE Nnaemeka
Following the motion moved by the Minority leader of the Imo State House of Assembly and Member Representing Aboh Mbaise State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Princewill Amuchie, the lawmakers have called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to direct the Ministry of Transport to wade into the increase of flight ticket price and interface with the necessary agencies to see to its reduction.
The prices they said have become outrageous, especially in Owerri, Imo State, and so need to be tackled to make air travel more accessible to the people.
The motion was presented at the floor of the House on Tuesday and cosponsored by 16 other legislators.
Throwing more light on the motion, the Aboh Mbaise legislator who is the House Committee Chairman on Water Resources pointed out that the flight ticket price in the country, especially in Owerri, Imo State is becoming too alarming and needs to be looked into.
The people he said are bitterly complaining and are wondering how they could survive the situation seeing what is happening with the economy of the country.
According to him, ” 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 is having its heavy toll on Imo travelers. This, the House is entitled to their opinion on it.
“The cost of flight ticket in Owerri route is higher even when the distance and flight times are about the same with other places hence this House is appealing that the FAAN and the airline operators should be fair on our people in terms of flight ticket prices.
“This high ticket prices can be a barrier to air travel to many people, especially those with limited financial resources, while reducing flight ticket prices could 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 could work with the regulatory bodies to establish price controls or guidelines for airlines operating in Imo State and the government could offer incentives to airlines that reduce their prices such as tax breaks or subsidies, while more airlines could 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, His Excellency Dist. 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 the people of Imo State, ‘Amuchie averred.
Supporting the motion at the floor of the House were – the Deputy Minority leader, Rt. Hon. Clinton Amadi, Orsu lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Francis Agabige, Oguta, Engr. Gilbert Nwosu, Ikeduru, Hon. Johnleoba Iheoha, among others
They commended the mover of the motion, saying that things are too expensive in Owerri, not just the Airline ticket price, which is not so in other South East States.
They reiterated that the necessary agencies, including Consumer Protection Council, CPC have to come into effect to protect, and stop the bodies from extorting the people.
