According to a new report from the African Aviation Association, air passengers flying from Nigeria pay one of the highest taxes and claims across Africa, paying an average of $180 per international departure, almost triple the continent's average.
The study, titled AFRAA Tax and Fee Research Review 2024, obtained by Sunday Punch, emphasizes that it will hinder the growth of Africa's aviation industry and put an unfair burden on travelers.
Nigeria ranks as the third most expensive country in Africa in terms of airline tax and fees, and only tracks Gabon and Sierra Leone. Other West African countries like Niger, Benin and Ghana have also created a top 10 list of the most expensive countries on the continent for air transport taxes.
On average, passengers flying internationally from Africa pay $68 with taxes and fees that are significantly higher than in Europe or the Middle East, at twice the global average.
But in countries like Nigeria, passengers pay more than twice that number due to a combination of government-imposed taxes, airport charges and service charges.
“Gabon tops the list of Africa's most expensive countries for international air departures, with passengers paying an average of $297.70 taxes. Sierra Leone was closely followed at $294, while Nigeria ranked third at $180 per international flight,” the document showed.
Other countries listed among the 10 most expensive include Djibouti ($168.70), Niger ($130.70), Benin ($123.40), Senegal ($122.60), Liberia ($115), Ghana ($111.50), Democratic Republic of the Congo ($109.90), and CHAD ($105.70).
In contrast, the report calls Libya the cheapest country, with air passengers paying just $1.30 in taxes. Other countries with minimal departure fees include Malawi ($5.00), Lesotho ($5.70), Algeria ($9.80), Eswatini ($14.20), Tunisia ($15.40), Botswana ($18.90), Morocco ($25.10), SAO TOME ($26.00), Angola (28.40),
The association attributes the issue to international civil aviation agency policies, fragmented taxation systems, and compliance with overreliance on aviation as a source of government revenue.
“Air transport is recognized as a luxury service across the continent,” the report said. “Even though many people struggle to survive, major governments, airports and service providers are overcharging their airlines to overcharging their airlines.”
The group warned that excessive fees discourage travel, reduce local ties and undermine growth in the aviation sector across Africa.
It urged the government to harmonize tax policies, reduce passenger rates and explore alternative financing mechanisms for aviation infrastructure.
Of the 54 African countries surveyed, 14 passengers will charge over $100 from 13 countries in 2022.
Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma, chairman of the Nigerian Foreign Airlines Association, said that high operating costs continue to raise airfares, making it more expensive to fly from Nigeria to other African countries than in some European destinations.
“Data doesn't lie. Nigeria is one of the most expensive countries in Africa. “Flying from Nigeria to Togo or Yound is sometimes more expensive than flying to Europe.”
Airlines are struggling with unfavourable conditions from lenders, with access to affordable aircraft, beyond high exchange rates and aviation fuels.
The Nigerian government has acknowledged several issues and continues to find lasting solutions. Of these, we recently cleared a backlog of around $900 million in revenue from foreign airlines that have been trapped due to a lack of forex.
This issue has previously caused airlines to raise fares on Nigeria routes. Authorities have since urged airlines to adjust ticket prices in line with the improved circumstances.
The government has also signed practice instructions for the Cape Town Convention, which aims to make aircraft leasing easier and more affordable for Nigerian carriers. Officials said this is expected to reduce operational costs in the long term.
The Ministry of Aviation, led by Festus Keyamo, has pledged to acquire aircraft at a more advantageous rate and help them access the global market to improve lease and financing terms. Airport-related fee reviews are also underway, with the aim of easing the financial burden on both airlines and passengers.
According to Nwokoma, several foreign and local airlines have raised concerns about multiple fees levied by aviation authorities, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
“We've spoken to FAAN several times about this. We need to review the system. If the airline pays more, these costs will ultimately be passed on to the traveller,” he said.
Nwokoma described Nigeria's current accusations as the highest on the continent, warning that the country risks losing competitiveness in regional air travel unless regulators address these issues.
“The statistics are clear and factual. The only way is to check and cut multiple fees placed on the airline,” he added.
An aviation executive who denied being named Nuukoma's position, describing Nigeria's air fare as unsustainable and an important factor driving travelers to neighbouring countries.
“You think airlines are dealing with multiple taxes? Yes, that's right,” the executive told Punch on Saturday. “This is nothing new. Airlines complain about this. It's easy. If you go to Ghana, Mali or Togo, tickets are cheaper and exporting goods is cheaper.”
Analysts also said high taxes and operating costs force Nigerian travelers, especially students, to purchase tickets from other West African countries, which are more affordable.
“The landing fees, parking fees and other fees are high here. They have a direct impact on airfares. And that won't end. Even agricultural exports will be affected,” the source added.
“For example, Nigeria is the world's largest producer of Yams, but Yams exported from the region are labelled as Ghanaian products.
Executives called for urgent reforms to reduce taxes and improve business efficiency in the aviation sector.
“If we compete globally and don't continue to shift the cost burden on passengers, we need to fix the system. The only advantage we have now is population, but when travelers and exporters find a better alternative next door, they lose that edge.”
