ECOWAS Orders 25% Reduction in Air Fares As Airline Founder Laments on Headwind from 18 Taxes

Dr Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation & Aerospace Development, represented the Minister, Barr Festus Keyamo, who unveiled the plaque to commemorate the first commercial flight by United Nigeria Airlines, UNA, to Ekiti Agro Allied International Airport, Ado-Ekiti. In attendance were Ekiti State Gov Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Founder UNA, Prof Obiorah Okonkwo, among other dignitaries

The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has issued a directive to all domestic operators in each of the sovereign states that constitute the bloc to reduce their airfare by a minimum of twenty-five per cent (25%), beginning from the First day (1^st) of January 2026.

In a media statement issued at the ECOWAS Secretariat, Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital territory, on Thursday, 10th December 2025, it described the cacophony of opinions (imbroglio), especially as variously expressed in the Nigerian media, as a matter of serious concern.

The statement noted that the astronomical increase in airfare in the sub-region is prohibitive, thus hindering access to economical air transport for about half a billion people in the West African region.

Hence, the statement affirmed, “From 1 January 2026, all ECOWAS Member States will abolish air transport taxes and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 per cent, in line with a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees”.

The media statement, however, affirmed that, “From 1st January 2026, all ECOWAS Member States will abolish air transport taxes and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 per cent, in line with a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees”.

The media statement averred that, “The decision responds to long-standing concerns about the high cost of flying in West Africa, which has constrained tourism, trade, and the free movement of persons and goods.”

It reminded the general public and all concerned agencies of government in aviation matters that the pronouncement was not a new initiative but a complement to a similar directive about the same time in December 2024.

The ECOWAS Commission will implement the policy directive adopted by heads of state and governments in ECOWAS through a new Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism. The renewed measure holds lots of expectations, such as lowering airfares, inspiring an increase in passenger traffic, promoting tourism, intra-regional trade, and enhancing viability for regional airlines.

Prof Obiorah Okonkwo Lamentation Over the Head Wind From 18 Taxes Imposed On Airlines

In the same vein, the founder of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof Obiorah Okonkwo, at the airline’s inaugural flight to Ado Ekiti Agro Cargo Airport, lamented the harrowing effect of txes and levies on passengers’ airfare.

Alighting from the aircraft at Ekiti Agro Allied International Airport, Ado-Ekiti, Prof Obiorah Okonkwo, Founder of United Nigeria Airlines, UNA, with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and other dignitaries

Okonkwo said the number of taxes imposed on airlines is a key factor in high airfares in the country. He said reducing the taxes would make flight tickets more affordable for Nigerians.

Obiorah, a Professor of investment banking, argued that, “We are taxed about 18 taxes on one single ticket. So any ticket you buy, may be 70 per cent of the value in them goes to other government agencies”.

He also assured air travellers that, “If the national assembly will help us reduce these taxes and levies in which airlines are mere collectors for the government, and which are legal in nature, we will be able to reduce also the cost of the ticket so that it would be affordable for all.”