Nigerian Airlines Sound Alarm Over New Immigration Fee
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has raised serious concerns about a new $11.50 charge imposed by the Nigeria Immigration Service, scheduled to commence on December 1, 2025. Despite being announced by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the controversial fee originates from the immigration service and will be enforced by aviation authorities.
Industry representatives warn that this additional levy will inevitably lead to higher ticket prices for passengers, adding to the growing list of financial burdens facing domestic carriers. The timing is particularly sensitive as airlines prepare for the peak Christmas and New Year travel season.
Multiple Charges Crippling Aviation Sector
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, AON spokesperson and Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, expressed deep concern about the accumulating charges affecting airline operations. He described the aviation industry as "an elephant where lots of people are feeding on" while operators struggle to maintain services.
Professor Okonkwo highlighted the existing $20 security charge that airlines already contend with, questioning the value these fees actually bring to the sector. "First, it was $20 for security, and one wonders what security they provided. The $11.50 is coming from immigration, and we already have the $20 for security," he stated, recalling the previous controversy surrounding the security fee implementation.
Questioning the Justification
The AON spokesperson challenged the rationale behind the new immigration fee, particularly its stated purpose of passenger profiling. "They said there is a need for passenger profiling, and it applies to international passengers, which means that before passengers land, they already capture their data. My question is, is that amount commensurate with what other people charge elsewhere?" Okonkwo questioned.
He further scrutinized the immigration service's security role at airports, noting that the NCAA had previously imposed a separate $20 security fee on international operations. This duplication of charges, according to industry stakeholders, demonstrates a lack of policy coordination that ultimately harms both airlines and passengers.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Aviation
The warning comes against the backdrop of earlier announcements by some Nigerian airlines about fare increases of up to 131% for certain routes during the upcoming holiday season. The additional $11.50 charge threatens to exacerbate this situation, potentially making air travel less accessible to many Nigerians.
Professor Okonkwo cautioned that such continuous additions to operational costs could undermine Nigeria's position as a regional aviation hub. He appealed to the government to reconsider the decision and adopt a more collaborative approach with airline operators, emphasizing that a healthy aviation sector ultimately benefits the entire nation's economy.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria maintains that airlines are required to fund virtually every service performed by aviation agencies, creating an unsustainable financial environment. They argue that domestic carriers need government support similar to what airlines in advanced economies receive, rather than additional financial burdens.
As the December 1 implementation date approaches, passengers are advised to prepare for potential fare adjustments while industry stakeholders continue dialogue with government agencies seeking relief from the mounting operational costs threatening the aviation sector's stability.
