Introduction of New Security Levy on International Flights in Nigeria
Starting December 1, 2025, passengers flying into or out of Nigeria will face an additional charge of $11.50 per ticket. This new security levy, introduced by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), is part of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) project aimed at improving airport security and border control.
The levy, separate from the existing $20 security charge and other fees, is intended to support a single-window security platform for airport agencies and improve passenger data tracking. Airlines will collect the charge at the point of ticket sale and remit it to the NCAA. The APIS, implemented in partnership with the Nigeria Immigration Service, will streamline passenger clearance by processing traveller data before arrival.
Key Details of the New Levy
- Exemptions: Infants, diplomats, airline crew on duty, and passengers affected by involuntary rerouting or within 24-hour transfers are exempt from the levy.
- Total Security Tax: With the new charge, the total security tax on tickets issued in Nigeria will rise to $31.50, one of the highest on the African continent.
- Annual Revenue: The NCAA estimates that the levy will generate about $46 million annually to improve airport security and management systems nationwide.
Reactions from Travellers
Many travellers have expressed concerns about the policy, stating that it will further increase the cost of international air travel, which has already become unaffordable due to economic challenges and global tax pressures.
Voices from the Public
- Aisha Bagudu, a student studying in the UK, said: "An additional $11.50 just to leave the country? It's outrageous! I return home to Kano every semester to see my family, which means I'll pay for this every time. It's unnecessary and insensitive for the government to introduce this now."
- David Okumu, a tourist visiting Kano, described the move as punitive: "This tax discourages travel. It feels like we're being punished for wanting to explore the world. To make matters worse, the timing—December 1—is too sudden, right before the festive season when many Nigerians return home. It's an anti-people policy."
- Nneoma Bright, a student in the US, lamented the growing burden on Nigerian travellers: "I barely have enough for tuition, and now this? It's unfair. Each trip home means another tax. Nigerians are already paying so much under this administration. I hope the government reviews it, especially for students like me."
- John Amadi, a frequent flyer, called the new charge exploitative: "I've flown in and out of this country for years, and I've never seen such a ridiculous tax. There's already a $20 levy—now another $11.50. I've travelled across Africa, and this is the highest. It's simply unfair and should be reversed."
- Mr. Okoro Johnson, a businessman, said the new tax would negatively impact trade: "I travel often for business, and this new tax will hurt my operations. Foreign airlines will pass the cost to passengers. The government should have consulted stakeholders before imposing such levies."
Impact on Tourism and Business
Ahmad Isma'ila, a Kano-based tour operator, noted that many travellers are unaware of the newly introduced levy, which takes effect at the end of this year. He explained that the increase means any passenger flying internationally from or to Nigeria after December 1, 2025, should expect an additional $11.50 added to their ticket.
He stressed the need for an effective public awareness campaign, as the increment could lead to higher airline operating costs from 2026, which may in turn push airfares higher—at a time when travellers were expecting a reduction.
According to him, the new levy could also have competitive implications, as the additional charge might make flights through Nigeria more expensive compared to other countries in the region.
Expert Opinion on the Policy
Aviation expert Capt. Samuel A. Caulcrick told Daily Trust that the new policy would likely discourage international travel and hurt Nigeria's aviation sector. "The taxes are way too much, and this will kill the aviation business. In commercial aviation, every kobo comes from the passenger. Once ticket costs go up, the airlines simply pass the burden to the passengers," he said.
Caulcrick also criticised the timing of the policy's introduction, describing it as abrupt and poorly considered. He advised the Federal Government and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to reconsider the decision, warning that the move could undermine efforts to revive the aviation sector.
What the New Levy Means for Travellers
The newly imposed $11.50 security levy on international air tickets is expected to significantly impact Nigerian tourists and international travellers coming to Nigeria.
Under the new policy, Nigerian travellers—regardless of their destination—will bear the additional cost, making outbound air travel more expensive. Likewise, foreign travellers flying into Nigeria will also face higher airfares due to the new charge.
According to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), while the levy introduces an extra financial burden, its primary aim is to enhance passenger safety and border management. The system is designed to strengthen the tracking and monitoring of individuals entering and leaving the country, thereby improving national and international travel security.
Long-Term Benefits of the APIS System
The NCAA outlined the long-term benefits of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), which is designed to operate for at least 20 years. The system aims to streamline passenger flow at airports by giving border control and security agencies real-time access to traveller information, thereby reducing delays and improving efficiency at immigration and security checkpoints.
In a statement to airlines, the NCAA noted that the primary objective of the levy is to cover the operational costs of maintaining the APIS infrastructure and overseeing international aviation security. The agency added that the system will foster better coordination among various airport authorities, ensuring a more seamless air travel experience across Nigerian airports.
What Travellers Need to Know
Both Nigerian and foreign travellers flying to or from Nigeria are advised to familiarise themselves with the new security levy, which takes effect from December 1, 2025. Passengers should contact their respective airlines for details on how the levy will be applied and incorporated into ticket prices.
The NCAA has assured that it will continue to sensitise the public about the implementation of the APIS system and its implications for passenger travel. Travellers are also encouraged to visit the official NCAA website for up-to-date information on taxes, flight schedules, and other travel-related guidelines.
