AN OPEN LETTER TO THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNORS OF ONDO AND EKITI STATES On the Urgent Need to Address the Rising Cost of Air Travel to Akure and Ado-Ekiti. By Otunba Gbenga Ifayefunmi

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNORS OF ONDO AND EKITI STATES
On the Urgent Need to Address the Rising Cost of Air Travel to Akure and Ado-Ekiti

Your Excellencies,
The Governor of Ondo State
The Governor of Ekiti State

I extend my respectful greetings to you both. I write on behalf of concerned citizens, travellers, business owners, and stakeholders who rely on air transportation to and from Ondo and Ekiti States. This letter draws your urgent attention to the consistently high cost of flight tickets to Akure Airport and the newly commissioned Ekiti Airport prices which remain significantly higher than fares on other major domestic routes, even those covering far longer distances.

At present, the average cost of a one-way ticket to Ondo or Ekiti sits around ₦290,000, while flights on similar or longer routes such as Lagos–Abuja, Lagos–Kano, Abuja–Enugu, and Iperu–Abuja average approximately ₦130,000. This disparity more than double the cost places a heavy financial burden on residents, discourages tourism, disrupts business travel, and reduces the attractiveness of both states to investors and visitors.

Your Excellencies, this challenge goes beyond airline strategy. It touches on economic competitiveness, regional development, and the perception of Ondo and Ekiti as accessible destinations. States such as Enugu and Ogun have demonstrated that targeted investment in aviation infrastructure, combined with strategic engagement with airline operators, can significantly improve affordability and increase passenger traffic.

I therefore humbly appeal for the following urgent actions:

1. Engage Directly With Airline Operators

Open discussions with airlines currently flying to Akure and Ekiti (Green Africa, Overland Air and United Nigeria) to review existing fare structures. With government support and open dialogue, it is possible to achieve more reasonable and balanced pricing that serves both the airlines and the travelling public.

2. Introduce Subsidies or Incentives Where Necessary

Temporary subsidies, reduced operational charges, or other incentives can help stabilise prices in the short term. Such measures will attract more carriers and improve competition, ultimately driving fares down.

3. Invest Strategically in Aviation Infrastructure

Upgrading airport facilities, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening support services like Enugu and Ogun have done can make these routes more cost-effective for airlines and more appealing for travellers.

4. Encourage More Airlines to Serve Akure and Ekiti

Increasing the number of airlines on these routes will create natural price competition and expand travel options for citizens.

Your Excellencies, reducing the cost of air travel is not simply a convenience issue, it is an economic catalyst. More affordable flights will promote commerce, support students and families, attract investors, and uplift tourism. They will position Ondo and Ekiti as dynamic, accessible, and economically vibrant states.

I trust in your commitment to the welfare and prosperity of your people and believe this matter deserves immediate attention. I am confident that with your leadership, these concerns can be addressed for the benefit of all.

Thank you for your service, and may your efforts continue to bring development, peace, and growth to Ondo and Ekiti States.

Respectfully,

Otunba Gbenga ifayefunmi
December 11, 2025