The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has responded firmly to claims regarding inflated domestic airfares, asserting that the increases are not due to multiple government taxes but rather the result of standard market dynamics. Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, emphasized in a recent statement that allegations of excessive taxes on domestic flights are unfounded. He insisted that airlines do not pay the purported levies often cited by critics.
In comments shared via X (formerly Twitter), Achimugu stated, “Any domestic carrier operating domestic flights that says that they are paying 18 taxes is a liar.” He attributed the recent surge in airfares to normal supply-and-demand forces, questioning the logic behind claims of multiple taxes, especially when airlines supposedly face lower passenger volumes during the December holiday season.
The NCAA’s statements come in light of remarks made by Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema, who highlighted challenges faced by airlines, especially on return flights along certain routes that operate with low traveler turnout. Onyema criticized the industry’s financial structure, suggesting that a significant portion of revenues is absorbed by various levies and taxes, arguing that airlines often become the “sacrificial lambs” in these discussions.
Achimugu countered by noting that there have been no recent hikes in taxes or fuel prices that would justify the inflated ticket costs. He questioned the narrative that portrays high costs as a result of taxation while simultaneously stating that Nigeria has some of the lowest domestic airfares worldwide. He attributed the dramatic fare increases in December to high demand rather than government intervention.
