Despite being a principal signatory to a landmark regional agreement aimed at slashing the cost of air travel, Nigeria has failed to implement the mandatory cuts on aviation taxes and charges six months after the treaty’s official enforcement deadline.
The delay has sparked frustration among travellers and sector experts, as airfares in the country continue to hover at record highs while neighbouring nations begin moving forward with the regional directive.
In December 2024, during the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Abuja, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders adopted Supplementary Act A/SA.2/12/24.
The binding act mandated that all 15 member states completely abolish four major aviation taxes—ticket tax, tourism tax, solidarity tax, and foreign travel tax—and implement a 25 percent reduction on core passenger service and security charges.
Following a transition period, the law officially went into effect on January 1, 2026. The regional economic bloc designed the policy after data revealed that West Africa maintains the most expensive airfares globally, with government-imposed taxes and fees eating up 64 percent to 70 percent of a typical ticket price.
