AON pushes aviation taxes review, S’Africa economic boycott

Allen Onyema, Vice President of the Airlines Operators of Nigeria and founder of Air Peace, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to establish a committee to review taxes and charges within the aviation sector. Onyema warned that excessive levies have contributed to the downfall of numerous Nigerian airlines.

“

One of the truths we want to tell Mr President is regarding this five per cent passenger charge collected by the NCAA. When we speak, they will say passengers are the ones paying, but we refuse to accept that. If I charge N100,000, NCAA takes five per cent of that money. We did not set up the business with them.

During an interview on ARISE News, Onyema described some of the charges imposed on airlines as unsustainable. He specifically pointed to the five percent passenger service charge collected by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, stating, "When we speak, they will say passengers are the ones paying, but we refuse to accept that. If I charge N100,000, NCAA takes five per cent of that money. We did not set up the business with them."

“

We want the President to set up an aviation charges and taxes review committee. It is very important so that it doesn’t look like we are fooling the government.

He proposed the creation of an independent aviation taxes and charges review committee composed of technocrats, aviation experts, and industry operators. "We want the President to set up an aviation charges and taxes review committee. It is very important so that it doesn’t look like we are fooling the government," he said, emphasizing the need for independent professionals and knowledgeable individuals from the business.

“

The President should select these people, who should comprise independent professionals, technocrats, persons with great aviation knowledge and some of us from the business. These taxes and charges have been responsible for the demise of many airlines in the country.

Beyond the aviation industry, Onyema urged Nigerians to implement an economic boycott against South Africa. This call comes in response to persistent xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals. While supporting consequences for South Africa, he rejected violence or reprisals against South African businesses operating in Nigeria. Onyema questioned the South African authorities' response to xenophobic violence, noting the alleged failure of their security agencies to intervene effectively.

“

I totally agree that there should be a stop to foolishness.