ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Airline Operators of Nigeria has stated that the controversial $11.50 charge scheduled to begin on December 1 originated from the Nigeria Immigration Service, though it was announced and set for enforcement by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
The association described the levy as an added strain on an already struggling aviation sector, worsening the burden on operators even though it will ultimately fall on passengers.
In an interview with journalists on Wednesday, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, spokesperson for AON and Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, voiced serious concern over the increasing number of charges imposed on airlines.
He maintained that the new fee is unnecessary and harmful to the aviation industry, noting that multiple taxes are pushing many airlines to the brink.
He urged the government to support domestic carriers the way developed nations back their own.
Okonkwo explained that the Nigerian aviation sector is facing intense financial pressure from numerous levies, taxes, and regulatory fees imposed by different government agencies.
He said operators bear the cost of every service provided by aviation agencies and lamented that the $11.50 charge reflects ongoing policy inconsistency and poor coordination among agencies.
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Commenting further on the taxes, Okonkwo said, “Aviation has turned into an elephant where lots of people are feeding on, and the operators are the ones doing the job. First, it was $20 for security, and one wonders what security they provided.
The $11.50 is coming from immigration, and we already have the $20 for security. If you recall the controversy that greeted the $20 charge, they just collect this money and put it in one account.
“This money was collected for many years. It was when a subsequent government came in, and the minister discovered that there was money in there and embarked on some innovation. If you collect what is supposed to be for security and put corporate service or renovation or staff welfare, or any other thing, that is clearly collecting money under a pretense! That is dubious.”
Questioning the role of the NIS in airport security, Okonkwo recalled that the NCAA had, years ago, introduced a $20 security charge on international flights a policy widely condemned in the sector.
He warned that such fees will inevitably drive up ticket prices for passengers and could make Nigeria less appealing as a hub for international travel.
“This $11.50 is from immigration. They said there is a need for passenger profiling, and it applies to international passengers, which means that before passengers land, they already capture their data. My question is, is that amount commensurate with what other people charge elsewhere? How does immigration play a security role?” he asked.
Okonkwo appealed to the government to consider the concerns of airline operators, stressing that a more supportive environment for operators would ultimately benefit the country.
He previously urged the Federal Government to provide single-digit interest loans to the industry, emphasizing that a nation’s progress is closely tied to the efficiency of its transport system, especially aviation.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s goal of achieving a $1trn economy would be impossible without a robust aviation sector.
He added, “However, we are appealing to the Nigerian government to continue to support the aviation industry. A $1trn economy can never be achieved without aviation. What we are asking for is a single-digit interest because we are competing with international airlines that have access to credit facilities and also have government backing.”
When contacted, the National Spokesperson of the NIS, Akinsola Akinlabi, said he would seek clarification and revert, but did not do so before press time.
Repeated calls to him afterwards were neither answered nor returned.