NCAA Dismisses Tax Claims As Key Driver Of High Airfares

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has dismissed claims by some airline operators that rising airfares are primarily driven by taxes, insisting that such explanations do not fully reflect the realities within the sector.

Speaking at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, maintained that he disagreed with the justification offered by airlines during the December travel peak and has not changed his position.

“Well, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) did not submit reports to my office, so I don’t know what they found. All I know is that in December, I disagreed with the reason given by some operators for the hike in airfares. They alleged it was due to taxes. I didn’t agree with that, and I still stand by that,” he said.

Achimugu’s comments come amid broader concerns about pricing practices in the aviation sector, including allegations of price-fixing by some airlines, which the FCCPC is reportedly investigating.

Despite the fare debate, the NCAA noted an improvement in flight operations, with delays and cancellations declining compared to the last quarter of 2025. Achimugu attributed the improvement to a post-festive drop in passenger traffic, describing recent performance figures as “encouraging.”

However, he warned that the approaching rainy season could reverse some of the gains, as adverse weather conditions are expected to increase the likelihood of disruptions.

“The numbers are impressive and encouraging, especially because immediately after the festive period, there was a drop in the number of passengers. But we are entering the rainy season, so there’s an expectation that there will be disruptions,” he said.

The NCAA also pointed to ongoing efforts to strengthen airline capacity, citing positive outcomes from a recent Aircraft Acquisition Summit hosted by the Minister of Aviation.

According to Achimugu, new aircraft deals already signed are expected to improve reliability and reduce operational bottlenecks.

“2026 will be a better year for aviation in Nigeria as per flight disruptions because more aircraft are coming in. Deals have been signed already,” he added.

On consumer engagement, Achimugu said more passengers are using the NCAA’s complaint portal, though some still struggle to navigate the platform because of incomplete submissions. He noted that alternative channels, such as email and social media, remain active to ensure complaints are addressed.

He further highlighted a persistent communication gap between airlines and passengers, urging operators to do more to educate travellers about the causes of disruptions and operational constraints in the industry.

“There is always a gap between what is happening in reality and what passengers understand. Airlines need to do more to inform and educate the public,” he said.

Achimugu added that while the NCAA continues to support airlines by disseminating information, operators also have a responsibility to proactively engage passengers through their own communication platforms.