AON Suggests What Government Can Do For Airlines On Taxes, Jet Fuel

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has applauded the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting airline operators in Nigeria through policies but appealed for more measures in the face of prevailing economic circumstances.

Speaking in a press interview during the Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit (NAAIS) held in Lagos, Nigeria on April 1 to 2, 2026, the Vice President of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) Chief Allen Onyema said: “We approached government to support us, and that is what they are doing. They removed VAT from ticket sales, from aircraft acquisition, spare parts acquisition; but there are more.

We have written to the President and we are expectant. For instance, we need other taxes and charges to be slashed, especially with the United States-Iran war that has brought crisis to the airline industry globally. Even stronger airlines all over the world are cutting capacity, some shutting sown. We don’t want that to happen to Nigerian airlines. If that happens, it will affect the economy. So, we are urging the government to remove all manner of taxes for the time being until the situation improves.

The fuel price in Nigeria has quadrupled. It used to be N900 to a litre. Now, we are buying fuel at N2,800 per litre. It has gone up even beyond cost of crude. All over the world, when crude adds 10%, the product will add 10%. Crude added about 30%. In Nigeria, they are adding 250% on the product. This is what we are saying. The airlines will go extinct and some of us might stop flying if this war continues. It is not the fault of Nigerian government. It is a global thing but we know Mr. President can come to our aide. He may not be able to change the price of the product but he can reach out to the product marketers themselves to cut down on the prices of the product so that we can be able to fly and remain in business.

Also, federal government should help us remove all forms of taxation on the airlines for the time being until the US-Iran war situation improves.”