The International President of De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), Aniekanabasi Paulinus Alban (SKILLA), has called on the Federal Government and airline operators to urgently reduce the high cost of air travel in Nigeria, warning that current fares are placing undue pressure on families amid prevailing economic hardship.
Alban made the call while speaking to journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after attending the DNKI Zonal Stakeholders’ Meeting in the Federal Capital Territory.
He noted that the burden of exorbitant flight costs is particularly troubling at a time when many Nigerians are preparing to travel for the Christmas holidays. According to him, a festive season that should ordinarily be marked by joy and family reunions has instead become a source of anxiety for many households due to rising transportation costs.
“The current airfares are simply too high and unsustainable for the average Nigerian,” the DNKI President said. “This situation adds unnecessary stress and financial pressure on families, especially during a season meant for togetherness and celebration.”
Dr. Alban also decried the poor state of federal roads across the country, describing it as a major contributor to the hardship faced by commuters. He lamented that journeys that would ordinarily take about 45 minutes by air now take almost an entire day by road, exposing travellers to avoidable risks, delays, and exhaustion.
He called on relevant authorities to urgently address the nation’s road infrastructure challenges, stressing that efficient transportation is critical to economic growth, national cohesion, and the wellbeing of citizens.
Reaffirming DNKI’s core values of service, compassion, and brotherhood, Dr. Alban disclosed that the organisation would use the Christmas season to intensify its humanitarian outreach.
He announced that DNKI would extend support to widows and children of deceased members, in keeping with the spirit of Christmas and the club’s long-standing tradition of caring for its own. He added that the organisation would also reach out to less privileged members of society, providing relief and support to those in need.
“DNKI is an organisation 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 encouraged all DNKI state chapters across the country to actively participate 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.
