The International President of DeNorsemen Kclub International (DNKI), Dr. Aniekanabasi Paulinus Alban (SKILLA), has urged the Federal Government and airline operators to urgently reduce the soaring cost of air travel in Nigeria, warning that the current fares are inflicting severe financial strain on families amid the prevailing economic hardship.
Dr. Alban made the call while speaking to journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after attending a Zonal Stakeholders’ Meeting in the Federal Capital Territory, noting that the burden of exorbitant flight costs is especially distressing as many Nigerians prepare to travel for the Christmas holidays.
According to him, a season traditionally associated with joy, reunion, and celebration has increasingly become a source of anxiety for households due to the rising cost of transportation across the country.
“The current airfares are simply too high and unsustainable for the average Nigerian,” the DNKI President stated. “This situation adds unnecessary stress and financial pressure on families, especially during a season meant for togetherness and celebration.”
Dr. Alban also lamented the deplorable condition of federal roads nationwide, describing poor infrastructure as a major contributor to the hardship faced by commuters. He noted that trips which would ordinarily take about 45 minutes by air now stretch into nearly a full day by road, exposing travelers to avoidable risks, prolonged delays, and physical exhaustion.
He called on relevant authorities to urgently tackle the nation’s road infrastructure deficit, stressing that an efficient transportation system is vital to economic growth, national cohesion, and the overall wellbeing of citizens.
Reaffirming DNKI’s core values of service, compassion, and brotherhood, Dr. Alban disclosed that the organisation would leverage the Christmas season to intensify its humanitarian outreach programmes.
He announced that DNKI would extend support to widows and children of deceased members, in line with the spirit of Christmas and the club’s long-standing tradition of caring for its own. He further revealed that the organisation would also reach out to less privileged members of society with relief and support.
“DNKI is an organization founded on selfless service to humanity,” he said. “This Christmas, we will stand by the widows and children of our departed brothers, and we will also extend love and support to the less privileged in our society.”
The International President also used the opportunity to call on all DNKI state chapters across the country to actively engage in community-based humanitarian initiatives during the festive period.
“I urge all our state chapters to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged in their various communities. Let this season remind us of our shared humanity and our responsibility to one another,” he added.
Dr. Alban concluded by reiterating DNKI’s unwavering commitment to promoting social responsibility, unity, and compassion, while continuing to advocate policies that ease the daily burdens faced by ordinary Nigerians.
