Outrage as NCAA Imposes New $11.50 Levy on International Air Tickets, Set to Generate Nearly $1bn in 20 Years

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to introduce a new $11.50 security levy on all international air tickets for both inbound and outbound passengers, a move expected to generate over $1 billion in revenue over the next two decades but has triggered strong criticism from aviation operators and travellers.

The new fee, known as the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) levy, will be added to the existing $20 security charge, raising the total security-related fees per international ticket to $31.50.

According to the NCAA, the levy aims to bolster aviation security, enhance data management, and align with international safety standards. Proceeds from the charge — which will remain in effect for 20 years — are expected to fund safety infrastructure upgrades and passenger profiling systems across Nigerian airports.

Data from the African Airline Association ranks Nigeria as the third most expensive African country in air ticket taxes and charges.

Industry players have repeatedly condemned what they call multiple taxation in the aviation sector, saying it undermines profitability and raises travel costs. Many fear the new charge will further increase already high airfares amid inflation and currency instability.

Based on 2024 passenger data, which recorded 4.3 million international travellers, the NCAA stands to earn about $49.45 million annually once implementation begins in December 2025. Over 20 years, total revenue could exceed $989 million (₦1.46 trillion) at the current exchange rate of ₦1,480 per dollar.

A memo signed by NCAA Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo directed airlines to automatically deduct the APIS levy at the point of ticket sale starting December 1, 2025, and remit collections to the authority.

The plan has drawn widespread criticism from aviation experts and operators.

President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, Alex Nwuba, described the levy as “another burden on travellers and Nigeria’s struggling aviation sector.”
While acknowledging that APIS is an international security system, he noted that most countries absorb the operational costs instead of passing them to passengers.

> “This comes at a time when Nigerians already pay some of the highest ticket charges globally,” Nwuba said, listing existing levies such as VAT, ticket sales charges, FAAN passenger service charges, fuel surcharges, and airport development fees.

Similarly, Kingsley Nwokeoma, President of the Association of Foreign Airlines Representatives in Nigeria (AFARN), said while the APIS initiative is important, attaching an extra charge is unnecessary.

> “Travellers already pay far higher ticket costs here compared to neighbouring countries,” he said, urging the government to review or suspend the policy.

Veteran aviation expert Capt. John Ojikutu also questioned the justification for the new charge, asking:

> “Security is security. What’s the difference between this new $11.50 and the $20 already being collected?”

He warned that foreign regulators might impose reciprocal fees on Nigerian airlines like Air Peace.

Retired pilot Capt. Muhammed Badamosi and Aviation Roundtable Secretary-General Olumide Ohunayo both called for transparency and urged the NCAA to rethink or delay the decision, warning that it could push passengers to cheaper regional airports.

> “We shouldn’t tax ourselves out of the market,” Ohunayo said. “The system isn’t new — upgrading it shouldn’t mean burdening travellers further.”

As of press time, NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu and DG Capt. Najomo had yet to respond to calls or messages regarding the mounting backlash.