The Federal Government has set up a special committee to address the issue of high taxes and charges in Nigeria’s aviation sector and to ensure that the country fully complies with aviation policies agreed upon by West African countries.
The committee, which was inaugurated recently, is expected to look into the numerous challenges facing the aviation industry, particularly the burden of multiple taxes and charges that have been a major concern for airline operators and other stakeholders.
The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, disclosed the setting up of the committee, saying it will coordinate efforts to implement the agreed regional aviation policies and ensure that Nigeria meets its responsibilities as a member of the West African aviation community.
According to Captain Najomo, the establishment of the committee is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to reposition the aviation sector, make it more competitive and align it with international best practices.
He explained that Nigeria, as a leading aviation market in West Africa, has a responsibility to ensure that its policies are in harmony with those agreed upon at the regional level to promote integration and growth.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, in a statement, said the committee will examine in detail how Nigeria is currently implementing the agreed aviation policies and identify areas where the country is lagging behind.
According to the NCAA, the committee will carry out a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s compliance with the Yamoussoukro Decision, ECOWAS aviation policies and other regional agreements aimed at liberalising air transport in Africa.
The Authority said the committee will identify the problems and bottlenecks hindering effective implementation of these policies and recommend practical changes where necessary to ensure full compliance.
Captain Najomo noted that one of the major areas of focus for the committee will be the high cost of operations in Nigeria’s aviation sector, which has been largely attributed to excessive taxes, charges and levies imposed by various government agencies.
He said the committee will assess the current tax regime in the aviation industry and propose measures to streamline the charges in order to reduce the burden on airlines and make air travel more affordable for Nigerians.
The NCAA boss expressed concern that the high taxes and charges in the sector have made Nigerian airlines less competitive compared to their counterparts in other West African countries, and have also discouraged investment in the industry.
According to him, the committee will also work out practical and sustainable ways to implement the regional aviation policies and ensure that they are properly domesticated and included in Nigeria’s aviation rules and regulations.
He explained that this will involve reviewing existing regulations, proposing amendments where necessary and ensuring that new policies are aligned with regional and international standards.
Najomo said the committee is composed of experienced professionals and stakeholders drawn from relevant government agencies, aviation industry players and other key sectors to ensure a thorough and inclusive approach.
He added that the committee has been given a clear mandate and timeline to complete its assignment and submit its recommendations to the Federal Government for consideration and implementation.
The Director-General assured that the NCAA will provide all necessary support to the committee to enable it carry out its duties effectively and achieve its objectives.
Stakeholders in the aviation sector have welcomed the setting up of the committee, expressing optimism that its work will help to address long-standing challenges in the industry and improve the operating environment.
Airline operators in particular have repeatedly complained about multiple taxation, high cost of aviation fuel, poor infrastructure and other challenges that have made it difficult for them to operate profitably.
They believe that the committee’s work, if properly implemented, will lead to a reduction in operational costs, improved compliance with regional policies and enhanced competitiveness of Nigerian airlines.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to developing a vibrant, safe and economically viable aviation sector that will contribute significantly to national development and regional integration.
It expressed confidence that the committee will come up with far-reaching recommendations that will not only tackle the issue of high taxes and charges but also ensure that Nigeria remains a leader in aviation development in West Africa.
