Aviation experts warn rising charges threaten sector
Industry experts in Nigeria’s aviation sector are sounding the alarm over increasing airport and ticket charges. John Ojikutu, a former Commandant of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, cautioned that new levies by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria could harm aviation operators. He and other stakeholders argue that multiple taxes and non-transparent fees are putting the industry at risk. Alex Nwuba, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, also criticised the lack of transparency in passenger and cargo charges.
TLDR
- John Ojikutu warned that new FAAN levies could shorten the lifespan of aviation companies.
- He estimated revenue from 2024 traffic figures should not be less than N400bn annually, excluding other earnings.
- Ojikutu criticised FAAN’s spending priorities and described recent capital expenditures as excessive and potentially fraudulent.
- Alex Nwuba highlighted non-transparent charges, including the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and Value Added Tax on domestic tickets.
- Nwuba called for detailed cost studies and transparency to ensure aviation fees reflect actual service delivery.
