The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has introduced a brand new $11.50 levy on all worldwide flight tickets issued within the nation, efficient December 1, 2025.
According to the round launched in late October and confirmed by the NCAA, the cost will fund the rollout of an Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), a centralised border information platform designed to hurry up immigration checks and strengthen nationwide safety at Nigeria’s airports.
The aviation regulator stated the brand new system will permit passenger info to be transmitted electronically to frame companies earlier than arrival or departure, serving to cut back delays and enhance coordination between the Nigeria Immigration Service and aviation authorities.
Under the directive, the $11.50 charge will apply to all tickets issued for worldwide departures and arrivals from Nigerian airports, whereas airways will gather and remit the cost on to the NCAA.
Travellers exempted embrace infants, airline crew on obligation, accredited diplomats, passengers transiting inside 24 hours, and people rerouted for operational or weather-related causes.
The NCAA stated the coverage was in keeping with international requirements, explaining that a number of superior economies already function APIS frameworks to handle traveller information and improve aviation safety.
“This system will significantly improve border management, passenger screening, and overall efficiency across Nigerian airports,” an NCAA spokesperson stated in an announcement.
Industry analysts, nevertheless, questioned the timing of the levy, which comes simply weeks earlier than the height vacation journey season.
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They warned that the extra cost might additional increase ticket costs already burdened by forex pressures and excessive working prices.
Aviation consultants estimate that the levy might generate round $46 million yearly, funds the NCAA says will probably be reinvested in aviation information infrastructure and system upkeep.
While some stakeholders welcome the transfer as a step towards modernising Nigeria’s aviation sector, others argue that the rising listing of ticket surcharges, together with safety and passenger service charges continues to make worldwide air journey from Nigeria among the many costliest in Africa.
The NCAA insists the initiative will finally enhance the passenger expertise and cut back airport congestion as soon as the APIS platform turns into absolutely operational.
