Ogona Anita
From December 1, 2025, international passengers flying into or out of Nigeria will pay an additional $11.5 levy per ticket under the new Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) initiative.
The new charge raises Nigeria’s total aviation security levy to $31.50 and is expected to generate about $46 million annually for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). According to the agency, APIS will enhance airport security, track passenger data, and improve border control through a single-window system over the next 20 years.
The levy applies to all international airlines, with exemptions for infants, diplomats, airline crew on duty, and passengers in transit or rerouted due to weather or technical issues.
However, this new fee adds to existing charges such as the $20 security levy, Passenger Service Charge (PSC) of up to $100, and the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC). Experts warn the move could worsen already high travel costs, making Nigeria’s airfares among the most expensive in Africa, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Aviation analyst Chris Amokwu said the decision would burden travellers and discourage air travel, while Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd) described it as “multiple taxation” unless the old $20 levy is abolished.
IATA has repeatedly criticised Nigeria’s excessive aviation charges, noting that Abuja and Lagos airports are now the costliest in Africa, despite limited improvements in infrastructure.
