Follow Us on Google
2026 tax regime may cripple aviation, Onyema warns
From Sola Ojo, Abuja
Nigeria’s aviation industry on Monday marked 100 years of flight operations with an event in Abuja, bringing together sector veterans, current operators, policymakers, and stakeholders to honour past contributors and reflect on continuing reforms.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, who led the celebrations at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, described the centenary as “a watershed moment” in the nation’s aviation journey.
He credited the sector’s progress to the sacrifices of those who worked long before the current leadership. “To honour every hero is almost impossible. We did not get here by magic. We stand on the shoulders, sweat, and hard work of those who passed through this industry. For us here today, this is only a transition. Others will take over to build on the legacies we leave behind,” Keyamo said.
He added that the federal government deliberately recognised veterans ranging from aeronautical engineers and pilots to sky caterers and other ground staff who held the industry together over the decades. He apologised for any inadvertent omissions, noting that the original list of 40 honourees was expanded to 47 as more names came to light.
Air Peace Chairman/CEO Allen Onyema, speaking on behalf of the awardees, praised President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation for their unprecedented support of domestic airlines. He said administrative reforms and appointments had changed the industry’s trajectory after years of decline.
Other News
“Our industry was almost dead. Nigerian airlines were demonised as ineffective and lacking capacity. But today, we are witnessing real change. We have a minister who is out every day working to improve the lot of airlines, carrying the president’s mandate diligently,” Onyema said.
He warned, however, that new taxation policies due to take effect in January 2026 could cripple local airlines, and said operators would soon meet the National Assembly alongside the minister to address the concerns. He expressed confidence in presidential intervention.
Onyema highlighted recent government actions, such as supporting Air Peace’s entry into the London route and approving Abuja-London operations, which helped stabilise foreign exchange and reduce international airfare costs. “Before now, Nigerians paid as high as N16 million for a six-hour flight to London. That competition from Nigerian airlines compelled foreign carriers to slash fares.”
He also commended NCAA Director General Captain Chris Najomo and other aviation agencies for regulatory efficiency and consistent support amid limited resources. Onyema urged more domestic airlines to explore regional and international routes.
