Nigerian domestic airline operators are asking for an urgent meeting with President Bola Tinubu to discuss aviation-related charges and taxes they say are threatening the survival of airlines. Air Peace CEO and chairman Allen Onyema, speaking on ARISE News, says operators want direct engagement with the president to raise concerns that the current tax and levy regime has become unsustainable for the sector. Onyema highlights the Passenger Service Charge, a five percent levy deducted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), arguing that it reduces airlines’ already thin profit margins. He adds that airlines are not generating sufficient profit to absorb the charge, and he disputes the notion that the levy is effectively borne only by passengers.
Onyema also calls for a presidential committee to review aviation taxes and charges, with participation from technocrats, regulators, and airline representatives. He warns that if airlines fail, broader economic and social impacts could follow, including job losses and increased economic strain on stakeholders such as banks. The outlets report that the industry views the proposed review as urgent to prevent further financial distress and potential collapses among carriers.
