Overland Airways, the primary commercial airline serving the Ilorin International Airport, has promised to review the pricing structure on its Lagos–Ilorin and Abuja–Ilorin routes following an appeal from former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

Saraki, who pioneered and developed the routes during his tenure as Governor of Kwara State (2003-2011), took to his X handle (@bukolasaraki) on Sunday to announce his intervention, citing the economic hardship faced by travellers.

The statement by the former governor comes amid widespread public complaints regarding the high fares charged on the Ilorin routes, which, according to recent media reports, can be significantly higher than comparable or even longer domestic flights.

Saraki confirmed that he had a direct conversation with Captain Edward Boyo, the Chief Executive Officer of Overland Airways, to express the concerns of the state’s indigenes and frequent travellers.

In his X post, Saraki wrote, “I just got off the phone with Captain Boyo, the CEO of Overland Airways, to discuss how the current fares on the Lagos–Ilorin and Abuja–Ilorin routes are becoming unaffordable for our people in this current economy.

“I reminded him of our long-standing relationship, his relationship with Kwara State and Kwarans and how we worked together to pioneer and develop these routes when I served as Governor.”

Saraki stated that the escalating cost of tickets was making air travel inaccessible for many residents of Kwara State.

He emphasised the historical relationship between the airline and the state, leveraging his past collaboration with the company to push for a reversal in the pricing trend.

The intervention appears to have yielded a positive commitment from the airline’s management.

Saraki expressed optimism that the CEO of Overland Airways would heed the call for price modulation.

“I am glad that he listened to my appeal and has promised to look into the pricing in the coming week. I am hopeful for a positive response,” Saraki concluded.

The outcome of the promised pricing review is eagerly anticipated by travellers and residents of Kwara, many of whom rely solely on Overland Airways for air travel due to the limited competition on the route.

Consumer groups and concerned citizens have recently petitioned regulators, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, over the alleged exploitative pricing on the monopolised Ilorin corridor.

A significant reduction in fares would offer crucial financial relief to travellers connecting Kwara with the nation’s commercial and political capitals. (PUNCH)