The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has unveiled plans to implement a new $11.50 levy on all international air tickets starting December 1, 2025, projecting over $1 billion in revenue over the next two decades. Dubbed the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) levy, the fee will supplement the existing $20 security charge, raising total security-related costs per ticket to $31.50. The move has sparked widespread criticism from aviation stakeholders and passengers, who warn it will inflate airfares and further strain Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The NCAA justifies the levy as a means to bolster aviation security and improve passenger data systems to meet global standards. The fee, set to remain in place for 20 years, will fund enhanced safety infrastructure and profiling systems at Nigerian airports. Based on 2024 data, which recorded 4.3 million international passengers—a 6.5% rise from the previous year—the NCAA estimates annual revenue of $49.45 million, potentially totaling $989 million (₦1.46 trillion at ₦1,480/$) over two decades.
A memo from NCAA Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo instructed airlines to integrate the $11.50 APIS charge into ticket sales, with funds automatically deducted and remitted to the agency. Airlines are required to update their ticketing systems to comply by the implementation date.
Stakeholder Backlash
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from industry leaders. Alex Nwuba, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, called the levy a “significant setback” for an already overburdened aviation sector. While acknowledging the value of APIS for border security, Nwuba noted that many countries cover its costs without passing them onto passengers. “Nigerian travelers already face some of the highest ticket fees globally,” he said, citing existing charges like the 5% Value Added Tax, 5% Ticket Sales Charge, Passenger Service Charge, and various surcharges for fuel, security, and navigation.
Kingsley Nwokeoma, President of the Association of Foreign Airlines Representatives in Nigeria, echoed these concerns, arguing that the levy adds an unnecessary burden on travelers. “Ticket costs in Nigeria are already disproportionately high compared to neighboring countries,” he said, warning that the 20-year fee could deter tourism and investment. Nwokeoma urged the government to reconsider, noting that taxes and fees sometimes exceed the base airfare.
Aviation expert Capt. John Ojikutu questioned the need for a new security fee alongside the existing $20 charge. “What distinguishes this $11.50 levy from the current security fee?” he asked, warning that Nigerian carriers like Air Peace could face retaliatory fees abroad. Similarly, retired pilot Capt. Muhammed Badamosi demanded greater transparency from the NCAA, suggesting that stakeholders might pursue legal or legislative action if the agency fails to justify the charge.
**Economic Implications**
The African Airline Association ranks Nigeria as the third most expensive African country for air ticket taxes, and industry analysts fear the new levy will exacerbate affordability issues amid rising inflation and foreign exchange challenges. Critics argue that higher airfares could discourage travel, particularly for families, students, and business travelers, while further straining airlines’ profitability in a competitive market.
As the December implementation date approaches, stakeholders are calling for dialogue and a review of the policy to balance security needs with the economic realities facing Nigerian travelers and the aviation industry.
