Feyijimi Emmanuel

SEC orders immediate halt to Dangote Refinery IPO promotions, demands investor refunds

Dangote Refinery denies claims of fuel round-tripping through Togo

The Dangote Refinery has dismissed reports alleging that Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, is being exported from its facility to Togo and subsequently...

Education2 weeks ago

U.S. Mission opens applications for 2026 EducationUSA opportunity fund program in Nigeria

The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced the commencement of applications for the 2026 edition of the EducationUSA Opportunity Fund Program (OFP), an initiative...

Delta University Student Declared Wanted After Allegedly Killing Younger Brother Over Slippers

Crime2 weeks ago

Delta University student declared wanted after allegedly killing younger brother over slippers

The Delta State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a university student accused of stabbing his younger brother to death during a domestic dispute over...

Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector is under fresh financial pressure following the introduction of a new 5% federal levy on air tickets, intensifying concerns over rising operating costs, fragmented taxation, and expensive aircraft leasing arrangements that airlines say are threatening industry sustainability. The new levy, introduced as part of aviation revenue reforms, is collected alongside existing statutory charges imposed by multiple agencies. Airline operators say the additional deduction further compresses already thin profit margins in an industry already weighed down by high jet fuel prices, regulatory fees, and foreign-exchange–linked obligations. Industry stakeholders warn that the cumulative effect could push up ticket prices, dampen passenger demand, and worsen liquidity challenges for domestic carriers already struggling with cash flow constraints. Rising Tensions Between Regulators and Airlines The financial strain has coincided with renewed friction between the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), following disputes over the remittance of statutory charges and the delivery of regulatory services. Operators say the situation reflects deeper systemic liquidity stress across the sector, where airlines are increasingly unable to meet overlapping obligations imposed by aviation agencies while maintaining operational stability. A Layered and Fragmented Tax System At the centre of industry complaints is what operators describe as a “multi-layered and excessive” taxation structure involving the NCAA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). Airlines such as Air Peace, Ibom Air, and United Nigeria Airlines are subject to a range of compulsory charges, including the 5% ticket levy, passenger service charges, value-added tax on tickets and aviation inputs, and other operational deductions collected at different stages of the value chain. Industry players argue that the system creates cash flow distortions because several charges are collected upfront or deducted at source, leaving airlines with reduced working capital for day-to-day operations. Beyond ticket-based deductions, carriers also face landing fees, parking charges, overflight fees, navigation levies, and ground handling costs. Combined with jet fuel, which accounts for a significant share of total operating expenses, analysts say profitability on many domestic routes has been severely constrained. Leasing Constraints and Foreign Exchange Pressure Airlines’ challenges are compounded by difficulties in aircraft acquisition and leasing, which remain essential for fleet expansion in the absence of strong local financing options. Most carriers rely on wet and dry lease arrangements from international lessors. Wet leases, which include aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance, allow quick capacity deployment but are costly and typically paid in foreign currency. Regulatory limits also restrict their use to short-term arrangements. Dry leases offer more operational control and long-term stability but are increasingly difficult to secure. International lessors often view Nigeria as a high-risk environment due to concerns over aircraft repossession and currency volatility, resulting in higher insurance premiums, security deposits, and financing costs. As a result, airlines are frequently forced into short-term leasing agreements, exposing them to exchange-rate fluctuations and operational disruptions that contribute to flight delays and cancellations. Fuel Costs Deepen Financial Strain Jet A1 fuel remains one of the largest cost drivers in the sector, further squeezing margins across domestic routes. With fuel expenses, taxes, and leasing obligations combined, industry analysts say many airlines are operating with extremely narrow or unstable margins. Operators warn that without coordinated policy reforms, sustained profitability and expansion in the sector will remain difficult. Calls for Structural Reform Aviation stakeholders are calling on the federal government to streamline overlapping charges, review the newly introduced 5% levy, and consider removing VAT on aviation inputs to ease cost pressures. They are also advocating for reforms to centralise fee collection processes, improve transparency in regulatory charges, and support more stable aviation fuel supply mechanisms. In addition, industry groups are pushing for the development of a local aircraft leasing framework to reduce dependence on expensive international markets. Outlook While policymakers continue to explore potential incentives, including tax relief measures and leasing reforms, airlines say they are already adjusting operations through capacity cuts, route optimisation, and tighter financial controls. For now, Nigeria’s domestic carriers remain under significant pressure, navigating what industry players describe as one of the most financially challenging periods in recent years.

Aviation2 weeks ago

Heading through the storm: Multiple taxes, complex leasing drag on Nigerian carriers

Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector is under fresh financial pressure following the introduction of a new 5% federal levy on air tickets, intensifying concerns over rising operating...

Brexit at 10: UK marks a decade outside the European Union amid mixed economic, political legacy

Featured2 weeks ago

Brexit at 10: UK marks a decade outside the European Union amid mixed economic, political legacy

Ten years after British voters narrowly backed leaving the European Union, the United Kingdom is taking stock of one of the most consequential political decisions in...

Fitch, IMF flag risks over Nigeria’s proposed $5bn derivative swap deal

Business2 weeks ago

Fitch, IMF flag risks over Nigeria’s proposed $5bn derivative swap deal

Global ratings agency Fitch Ratings has raised concerns over Nigeria’s proposed $5 billion Total Return Swap (TRS) arrangement with First Abu Dhabi Bank, warning that the...

Doctor, patients among 22 killed in horrific Bokkos Village raid

Crime2 weeks ago

Doctor, patients among 22 killed in horrific Bokkos Village raid

The death toll from a deadly attack on Kawel village in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area has risen to 22, following a late-night raid...

Police launch investigation after vehicle explosion injures one in Mushin

Featured2 weeks ago

Police launch investigation after vehicle explosion injures one in Mushin

The Lagos State Police Command has commenced an investigation into an explosion that injured one person in the Mushin area of Lagos on Tuesday morning, assuring...

Algeria rally past Jordan to keep World Cup dreams alive

Football2 weeks ago

Algeria rally past Jordan to keep World Cup dreams alive

Algeria reignited their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a spirited second-half comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 at Levi’s Stadium, keeping their hopes of reaching the...

Nigeria’s war on terror takes heavy toll on military leadership

Featured2 weeks ago

Nigeria’s war on terror takes heavy toll on military leadership

Nigeria’s long-running counter-insurgency operations against insurgent and armed criminal groups have come at a significant leadership cost, with at least 16 senior military officers killed in...

National Daily Newspaper

Stories By Feyijimi Emmanuel

Dangote Refinery denies claims of fuel round-tripping through Togo

U.S. Mission opens applications for 2026 EducationUSA opportunity fund program in Nigeria

Delta University student declared wanted after allegedly killing younger brother over slippers

Heading through the storm: Multiple taxes, complex leasing drag on Nigerian carriers

Brexit at 10: UK marks a decade outside the European Union amid mixed economic, political legacy

Fitch, IMF flag risks over Nigeria’s proposed $5bn derivative swap deal

Doctor, patients among 22 killed in horrific Bokkos Village raid

Police launch investigation after vehicle explosion injures one in Mushin

Algeria rally past Jordan to keep World Cup dreams alive

Nigeria’s war on terror takes heavy toll on military leadership