The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Thursday, hinted that Nigerians may have to pay more for their air travels as the federal and state governments begin gradual easing of the restrictions imposed on the country in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and PTF chairman, revealed this during a press briefing in Abuja.
He said air travel fares would particularly be expensive as there would be the need to continue social distancing while on board.
He said, “For the transport sector, because the passenger load has been reduced now, as a result, there is a hike in the prices. That is part of the problem that the entire world will be confronted with.
“Because of COVID-19, everything is in turmoil. Flying after COVID-19 will be one of the most expensive ventures because if you are going to maintain social distancing, what happens to the capacity of the aircraft as built in such a way to accommodate about 100 passengers?
“If you maintain social distancing, the capacity might reduce to about 50%. It (the aircraft) will burn the same fuel. It will operate with the same crew. It will consume the same consumables. Who pays for the extra? So, there is going to be turmoil in the economy of the whole world, Nigeria not an exception.
“I am not urging transporters to hike their prices but it is going to be the reality of the time. And what government will have to do is what it is doing now: creating stimulus for the commerce, manufacturing, agriculture (industries) to soften the effect of this turmoil that is being brought in the management of the economy of our nation.”
