JUST IN: Air Peace Chairman seeks aviation tax review, warns airlines under pressure

Business, Corporate Affairs

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Chairman and founder of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has called on the Federal Government to review taxes and charges imposed on airlines, warning that the current burden could threaten the sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, monitored by our correspondent on Tuesday, Onyema said excessive taxation was placing significant pressure on airline operators and could lead to the collapse of more carriers if urgent action was not taken.

“You don’t use airlines to raise revenue directly for a nation. Airlines generate economic benefits indirectly through tourism, trade and other sectors,” he said.

Onyema disclosed that airline operators were seeking an audience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss challenges facing the industry and advocate for reforms that would support growth and sustainability.

According to him, the collapse of any major airline would have far-reaching consequences for the economy, including job losses and increased financial exposure for lending institutions.

“If any airline goes down, the banks will take the hit,” he said.

The Air Peace chairman urged the President to establish an aviation tax review committee comprising government officials, technocrats and industry stakeholders to examine existing charges and recommend reforms.

He particularly criticised the five per cent passenger charge collected by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), describing it as unfair to operators.

Onyema also addressed criticism over a recent Air Peace flight delay involving Nollywood actress Funke Akindele, explaining that the disruption was caused by a bird strike and safety concerns.

According to him, the airline prioritises passenger safety above all considerations and would never operate a flight if safety could not be guaranteed.

“Was there a bird strike? Yes. Did the captain come out to explain the situation to passengers? Yes,” he said.

He explained that delays in baggage retrieval were subject to airport operational procedures and not solely within the airline’s control.

Onyema further condemned cyberbullying and the spread of false information against the airline, warning that Air Peace would no longer tolerate deliberate misinformation capable of damaging its reputation.

“Cyberbullying is a crime. You cannot peddle falsehood against an airline and go scot-free,” he said.

The Air Peace founder highlighted the airline’s record of assisting Nigerians during emergencies, including evacuation missions and the repatriation of citizens stranded abroad.

Reflecting on Air Peace’s intervention during xenophobic attacks in South Africa, Onyema said patriotism and national service had always guided his actions.

“All my life, I have lived for this country. You cannot go to the grave with your money. I do it to encourage Nigerians to love their country,” he said.

Commenting on recent anti-immigration protests and attacks on African migrants in South Africa, Onyema criticised acts of xenophobia and urged Nigerians to respond through economic competitiveness rather than hostility.

“The kind of retaliation I want is for Nigeria to become stronger economically and attract investment. That is the best response,” he said.