The Economic Community of West African States has approved a new policy aimed at reducing the high cost of air travel within Nigeria and other West African countries.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ECOWAS Commission said Heads of State and Government agreed at their December 2024 summit in Abuja to remove all taxes applied to air transport and cut passenger and security charges by 25 percent starting January 1, 2026.
According to the Commission, the decision followed years of slow aviation growth caused by heavy taxes, fees and multiple charges that make flying in West Africa one of the most expensive in the world. ECOWAS noted that studies conducted with the African Union, IATA and AFRAA show that passengers in the region sometimes pay up to 66 different charges, while airlines face more than 100 separate fees.
The Commission warned that these costs discourage travel, reduce tourism, affect trade and weaken the regional free movement agenda.
It stated that the adoption of the Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees will help address long-standing issues and bring West Africa closer to global aviation standards.
According to the statement, “The Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), at their Summit held in December 2024 in Abuja, adopted a landmark measure aimed at lowering the cost of air travel across the region.
“From 1 January 2026, all ECOWAS Member States will remove taxes applied to air transport and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 percent. This decision comes against the backdrop of years of stunted growth in the region’s air transport sector, largely due to excessive taxes, charges and, in some instances, fees, which together suppress travel demand.
“This situation has limited governments’ ability to mobilise adequate revenue for investment in airport infrastructure and services, thereby reducing the sector’s attractiveness as a driver of economic development.”
The Commission explained that the reform aligns with international aviation rules under the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Chicago Convention, adding that the new policy should help strengthen airlines, improve airport operations and encourage new investment in aviation services.
It added that ticket prices could drop by up to 40 percent, which would make flying more affordable for millions of West Africans. ECOWAS said airlines are expected to carry more passengers, while airports and surrounding communities will see higher economic activity.
The statement also noted, “The expected benefits of the reform are substantial. Ticket prices could fall by as much as 40 percent, making air travel accessible to a broader segment of the population. Airlines are expected to carry more passengers, while airports and surrounding communities will benefit from increased traffic and economic activity.
“Tourism and business travel are projected to expand, while governments are expected, in the long term, to generate increased revenue from a stronger and more dynamic air transport sector.”
ECOWAS said member states will need to adjust their national laws to fully implement the policy. It also announced that a Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism will monitor compliance, while the Commission continues to support other aviation initiatives such as shared maintenance centres and uniform safety standards across the region.
