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Federal Government has taken steps to strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with regional aviation policies by setting up a committee to oversee the implementation of an ECOWAS agreement on taxes, fees and other charges in the air transport industry.
The committee is expected to assess existing policies and regulations governing aviation charges in Nigeria and identify the adjustments required to bring them in line with the regional agreement. The move is aimed at establishing a more harmonised framework for aviation operations across West Africa.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo, announced the initiative during the committee’s inauguration in Abuja. He was represented by the agency’s Director of Air Transport Regulation, Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, who highlighted the need for a coordinated approach involving relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders.
The agreement being implemented was adopted by ECOWAS leaders at their 66th Ordinary Session in Abuja on December 15, 2024. It provides a regional framework for addressing aviation-related taxes and charges, with emphasis on transparency, consistency and improved efficiency within the sector.
As part of its assignment, the committee will develop an implementation strategy, evaluate the country’s regulatory framework and identify areas where existing laws may require amendments. It will also engage relevant regional bodies and aviation stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria fulfils its obligations under the agreement.
The initiative comes as the aviation industry continues to face concerns over operating expenses and the cost of air travel. Effective implementation of the ECOWAS framework could help address disparities in aviation charges across member states and create a more predictable operating environment for airlines.
The committee is expected to translate the regional policy into actionable measures that will guide Nigeria’s implementation process and strengthen cooperation with other ECOWAS countries.
