President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a 30 percent reduction in long-standing statutory charges owed by Nigerian domestic carriers to key aviation agencies, in a move aimed at easing financial strain across the sector.
The development was disclosed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who said the directive forms part of the Federal Government’s response to rising operating expenses triggered by the persistent Jet A1 fuel challenge.
According to the minister, the concession applies to accumulated obligations such as aircraft parking fees due to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, navigational service charges payable to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, and other regulatory levies.
Keyamo explained that the approval was communicated through the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, reflecting the administration’s intent to prevent further pressure on airline operators and preserve domestic flight services nationwide.
Aviation stakeholders have welcomed the measure, noting that the relief could help carriers stabilize operations amid escalating fuel prices and other cost burdens that have threatened the sustainability of local air travel.
Industry observers believe the intervention may offer short-term breathing space for airlines while broader reforms in the aviation and energy sectors continue to unfold.
