The appeal was made at the 50th Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) held in Ibadan, where industry stakeholders gathered to assess the state of the sector and chart a path forward.
IATA’s Area Manager for West and Central Africa warned that while Nigeria’s aviation industry contributes an estimated $2.5 billion—about 0.7 per cent—to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, sustaining this contribution will require stronger policy and legislative backing from the National Assembly of Nigeria.
At the core of the concern is the rising cost of operations for airlines across Africa. Fuel prices, particularly Jet A1, remain significantly elevated—about 17 per cent higher than the global average—while taxes and charges imposed on airlines across the continent exceed global benchmarks by as much as 15 per cent. Additional burdens include air navigation fees, maintenance costs, insurance, and access to capital, all of which are higher than in other regions.
These structural challenges, according to IATA, are compounded by external geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, which has disrupted global aviation projections for 2026 and added uncertainty to airline operations worldwide.
Another major issue highlighted is the backlog of airline funds trapped by African governments. An estimated $954 million in airline revenues remains blocked, limiting liquidity and operational flexibility for carriers. The combined effect of these factors has contributed to higher ticket prices across Africa, placing additional strain on passengers and reducing competitiveness.
Lawmakers have acknowledged the concerns. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation pledged that the National Assembly would address the issues but urged industry stakeholders to formally present their grievances to facilitate legislative action.
He also criticised certain international airlines—including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Emirates—for insisting on dollar-denominated ticket sales within Nigeria. The practice, he argued, places additional pressure on the local economy and creates an uneven playing field for domestic operators.
Beyond regulatory and cost concerns, industry leaders are also focusing on internal reforms. NANTA emphasised the need to eliminate unethical practices such as touting within the travel trade, noting that restoring professionalism and order is essential to the sector’s long-term stability.
The discussions reflect a broader challenge facing Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem: balancing global economic pressures with local operational realities. As airlines navigate rising costs and regulatory complexities, stakeholders agree that coordinated action—spanning government policy, industry compliance, and international cooperation—will be critical to keeping the sector viable and competitive.