An airline operator in Nigeria, Captain Edward Boyo, has called on the Federal Government to reconsider its taxation policies on the aviation sector, warning that excessive levies and charges risk stifling an industry that is central to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Speaking during a virtual meeting organized by Business and Allied Magazine in partnership with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) under the theme: “Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and the Aviation Industry”, Captain Boyo lamented that aviation is not treated as a priority sector in the nation’s economic framework.
He argued that no meaningful economic development could take place without a thriving aviation industry, describing it as a catalyst for business and investment.
“Every major investment or development in Nigeria relies on air connectivity. Yet, our industry is being suffocated by a taxation regime that makes it difficult to grow or generate the revenues needed to support the economy,” he said.
Captain Boyo stressed that while operators are compliant with tax obligations, the current system leaves the industry struggling to survive, pushing jobs and opportunities out of Nigeria and across West Africa.
He urged the government to provide special import corridors for aircraft parts, as none are manufactured locally, and to introduce incentives that would allow maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities and other support services to thrive within the country.
He also warned that without urgent policy reforms, airfares would inevitably rise, not because airlines wish to increase costs but because they must cover expenses in a highly safety-sensitive industry.
“We must not tax aviation out of existence. The sector should be given priority if Nigeria wants to unlock growth, create jobs, and drive economic development”.
The Airline Operator further reminded policymakers that aviation is not an end in itself but a driver of commerce, investment, and GDP growth.
He urged the Executive Chairman of the NRS and the Presidency to review the Tax Act 2025 with the aviation industry in mind, stressing that the sector deserves special consideration in the country’s economic planning.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen