Starting December 1, 2025, passengers flying into or out of Nigeria will pay an additional $11.50 per ticket following the introduction of a new security levy by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The levy, separate from the existing $20 security charge and other FAAN fees, is part of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) project aimed at enhancing airport security and border control.
According to the NCAA, the fee—effective for 20 years—will 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.
Infants, diplomats, airline crew on duty, and passengers affected by involuntary rerouting or within 24-hour transfers are exempt from the levy.
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.
The NCAA said the levy is expected to generate about $46 million annually to improve airport security and management systems nationwide.
However, many travellers have criticised the policy, saying it will further worsen the already high cost of international air travel, which has become increasingly unaffordable due to a harsh economic climate and global tax pressures.
Travellers react
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.
Also reacting, 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,” he said.
Similarly, Nneoma Bright, a student in the United States, 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,” she appealed.
Frequent flyer John Amadi described the new charge as 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,” he said.
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,” he said.
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.
Ahmad Ibraheem Kaka, an international businessman, said he was not aware of any such introduction or increment. He added that he would withhold comments until he observed how the policy impacts international business operations.
However, Alhaji Musa Adamu, another Kano-based tour operator, said that upon learning about the new levy, he had to consult experts to better understand its implications.
He described the timing as inappropriate, noting that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had already announced the 2026 Hajj fare, and the new charge would likely push costs further up, potentially sparking public outrage among intending pilgrims.
He further explained that under the new levy, only infants, diplomats, on-duty airline crew, and passengers rerouted due to technical or weather-related issues are exempted.
It will chase away int’l travellers – Expert
Reacting to the development, 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.
According to him, higher airfares will inevitably reduce passenger traffic.
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 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.
The NCAA explained that the new system would also boost border control efficiency and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers arriving in or departing from Nigeria.
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.
Businesses such as hotels, tour operators, and transport services may experience a slight dip in patronage as travellers reconsider destinations with lower overall travel costs.
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.
The NCAA also projected that the new system would enhance both aviation safety and tourism development, reducing the likelihood of illegal activities by improving passenger data tracking.
The revenue generated from the levy, it added, will be reinvested to upgrade airport facilities, security systems, and other critical infrastructure, supporting Nigeria’s growing air traffic and tourism potential.
What 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.
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.
Source: pinkrepublicblog
