Keyamo to Offer 30% Statutory Fee Discount to Support Domestic Airlines

By Dickson Omobola

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, explained that the federal government’s decision to grant a 30 % discount on statutory fees for domestic airline operators is intended to lower operating costs in the aviation sector, particularly across Africa.

Keyamo, who urged action to unlock Africa’s aviation potential, said the continent must move beyond policy statements and implement reforms that directly benefit airlines and passengers.

The Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, noted that Keyamo made these remarks at the recently concluded African Air Transport Expo 2026, organised by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in Lomé, Togo.

According to the statement, the minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to lowering the cost burden on airlines and passengers, describing aviation as a strategic economic enabler rather than a revenue source.

“Aviation is an economic enabler, not a revenue collection point. Nigeria is aggressively driving down costs through a 30 per cent discount on statutory fees for domestic operators approved by Mr. President, transitioning towards VAT neutrality, and auditing duplicate levies.”

Keyamo also emphasised that the era of merely signing agreements must be replaced by practical measures that ensure unrestricted air connectivity across the continent. He added that enhanced market access is essential for achieving the African Union’s vision of a connected continent, noting that seamless air transport would boost trade, tourism, investment, and regional integration.

The statement quoted the minister: “We must move from signatures to actual traffic rights. Over the next 24 months, Nigeria will streamline permits for African carriers, align air agreements, and lead the Banjul Accord Group, BAG, to progressively treat West Africa as a unified domestic market.”

He added, “The real test of our success is