As Nigerians prepare for the Yuletide season—a period traditionally marked by travel, reunions, and economic activity—the rising cost of air travel has once again become a source of concern. Central to this challenge is the burden of multiple taxes, levies, and charges—reportedly as many as eighteen—imposed on each airline ticket by agencies of the Federal Government.
While taxation remains a legitimate tool for revenue generation and sector regulation, the cumulative effect of these charges has significantly driven up airfares, placing domestic air travel beyond the reach of many citizens. For families seeking to reunite, businesses aiming to stay connected, and tourism operators relying on seasonal movement, the impact is profound and discouraging.
Airlines, already grappling with high operational costs, foreign exchange pressures, aviation fuel volatility, and infrastructure deficits, often pass these taxes on to passengers. The result is a cycle where travelers bear the cost, airlines struggle to remain viable, and public trust in the aviation system continues to erode.
This Yuletide period presents an opportunity for the Federal Government and its aviation agencies to strike a critical balance—one that safeguards revenue while prioritizing affordability, efficiency, and service delivery. A transparent review of the existing taxes and charges is urgently needed to eliminate duplication, streamline collections, and ensure that funds generated are visibly reinvested into aviation safety, infrastructure, and passenger experience.
Accountability must be at the heart of this conversation. Nigerians deserve to see tangible improvements in airport facilities, safety oversight, flight reliability, and consumer protection in return for the taxes they pay. Where service delivery falls short, justification for excessive charges becomes increasingly difficult to defend.
A temporary tax relief or seasonal adjustment during peak travel periods such as Christmas could also be considered, easing the financial burden on travelers while stimulating economic activity across the country.
Ultimately, sustainable aviation growth depends on fairness, transparency, and value for money. As the nation celebrates the Yuletide, stakeholders must work collaboratively to ensure that air travel remains accessible, competitive, and reflective of a system that truly serves its people.
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development FENRAD Nigeria
Development consultant,civil Society advocate and Good Governance campaigner
Tel: 08033383708,07062949232.
Email fenradnigeria@yahoo.com
info@fenrad.org.ng
www.fenrad.org.ng
