By Sarah Sam Adda
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has announced plans to abolish all air ticket taxes across the region from January 1, 2026, in a bid to reduce high flight costs and strengthen regional integration.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, ECOWAS Director of Transport and Telecommunications, Chris Appiah, said years of research show West Africa remains the most expensive air transport region on the continent due to multiple government-imposed taxes and aviation charges.
“These taxes are against ICAO guidelines and suppress demand rather than support growth,” he said.
Following concerns raised at the 2023 ECOWAS Summit, transport and finance ministers recommended sweeping reforms, leading to a supplementary act adopted in December 2024 mandating member states to eliminate air transport taxes and cut aviation charges by 25 percent from 2026.
Appiah said four major taxes, including the “security tax” will be removed entirely, noting they have no direct link to aviation services.
He argued that the reform will stimulate passenger demand, boost trade, and ultimately raise government revenue.
He lamented that high ticket prices hinder regional trade. “A trader flying from Lagos to Dakar will not pay less than $3,000, and much of that is taxes,” he said.
He added that ECOWAS is engaging airlines to ensure that the tax cuts translate into lower fares.
The organisation also hopes the reforms will make West African carriers more competitive, as regional charges are sometimes 67 percent higher than elsewhere on the continent.
Appiah stressed that the policy will benefit governments, airlines and citizens, saying: “When taxes are reduced, demand goes up, and more people start travelling.”
