New Security Levy on Air Travel in Nigeria
Starting December 1, 2025, passengers flying into or out of Nigeria will face an additional $11.50 per ticket due to the introduction of a new security levy by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This charge is part of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) project, which aims to enhance airport security and border control.
The levy, separate from the existing $20 security charge and other fees, is designed to support a single-window security platform for airport agencies and improve passenger data tracking. Airlines will collect the fee at the point of ticket sale and remit it to the NCAA. The APIS system, implemented in partnership with the Nigeria Immigration Service, will streamline passenger clearance by processing traveler data before arrival.
Exemptions and Impacts
Certain groups are exempt from the levy, including infants, diplomats, airline crew on duty, and passengers affected by involuntary rerouting or within 24-hour transfers. With this new charge, the total security tax on tickets issued in Nigeria will rise to $31.50, one of the highest on the African continent. The NCAA estimates that the levy will generate about $46 million annually to improve airport security and management systems nationwide.
However, many travelers have criticized the policy, arguing that it will further increase the already high cost of international air travel, which has become increasingly unaffordable due to economic challenges and global tax pressures.
Travellers’ Reactions
Speaking to Daily Trust, Aisha Bagudu, a student studying in the United Kingdom, expressed shock at the development. "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," she said.
David Okumu, a tourist visiting the ancient city of 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 United States, lamented the growing burden on Nigerian travelers. "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," she appealed.
Frequent flyer John Amadi 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."
Businessman Mr. Okoro Johnson also decried the move, saying it 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."
Expert Concerns and Implications
Ahmad Isma'ila, a Kano-based tour operator, noted that many travelers 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 travelers were expecting a reduction.
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."
What the New Levy Means for Travelers
The newly imposed $11.50 security levy on international air tickets is expected to significantly impact Nigerian tourists and international travelers coming to Nigeria. Under the new policy, Nigerian travelers—regardless of their destination—will bear the additional cost, making outbound air travel more expensive. Likewise, foreign travelers 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.
For the tourism sector, however, the levy could have mixed effects. While the additional cost may deter price-sensitive tourists from visiting Nigeria, others might appreciate the increased airport security and regulatory improvements.
Long-Term Benefits and Public Awareness
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 traveler information, thereby reducing delays and improving efficiency at immigration and security checkpoints.
Both Nigerian and foreign travelers flying to or from Nigeria are advised to familiarize 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 sensitize the public about the implementation of the APIS system and its implications for passenger travel. Travelers are also encouraged to visit the official NCAA website for up-to-date information on taxes, flight schedules, and other travel-related guidelines.
The introduction of the $11.50 levy marks a significant development in Nigeria's aviation and tourism landscape. Through the APIS initiative, the country seeks to enhance security, streamline passenger processing, and improve the overall travel experience for both domestic and international flyers.
