Aviation
NCAA clarifies: Airline ticket prices are deregulated
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has clarified that it does not regulate airline ticket prices, emphasising that airfares are deregulated globally.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has clarified that it does not regulate airline ticket prices, emphasising that airfares are deregulated globally
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has clarified that it does not regulate airline ticket prices, emphasising that airfares remain a deregulated aspect of the aviation industry globally.
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Speaking on the issue, the NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, said that, “The price of tickets is not regulated.
The NCAA does not regulate the price of tickets for airlines. All over the world, it’s a deregulated component of aviation.
“What happens is that at the beginning of every year, airlines submit their fares, and they post their fares for the year to the CAA.”
Achimugu explained that while airlines submit their fares annually, there are guidelines they are expected to follow. He noted challenges in the past, particularly regarding airlines’ refusal to release lower-priced ticket inventories despite government support.
“However, in the past, as of the time we came in, the stock funds for the airlines, which the president graciously paid, all the airlines, their stock dollars.
Now, as of the time, what they were refusing to do was to release the lowest inventory tickets. Of course, after the intervention of that committee, they have released those low inventory tickets,” he said.
Efforts to address the high cost of airfares are ongoing at both national and regional levels.
The price of tickets is not regulated. The NCAA does not regulate the price of tickets for airlines. All over the world, it’s a deregulated component of aviation.
Achimugu revealed that Nigeria is working towards implementing ECOWAS directives aimed at reducing operational charges at airports, a significant factor influencing ticket prices.
“The president has also asked that Nigeria implement the ECOWAS directive that the agencies in Nigeria should, across ECOWAS countries, reduce their charges,” he said.
He elaborated that high operational charges at airports contribute significantly to expensive airfares across the West African region.
“Because when we reason for high airfares, it’s because landing in and departing from our airports is expensive. The charges are high. That’s why, if you notice in Africa, airfares are most expensive in the West African region,” Achimugu explained.
He further pointed out the business realities facing airlines, saying, “So ECOWAS is demanding of ECOWAS countries to cut down the charges at the airport, you know, so that it may also lead to lower airfares because the airline thing is a business.
If you are going to pay a lot of taxes that will eat into your operating costs, then naturally it follows that you will want to charge a high airfare to cover that cost.”
Achimugu confirmed that Nigeria is taking steps to align with this regional directive. “So, ECOWAS has asked that African countries reduce those taxes, some of those taxes, and the president has also asked that Nigeria implement that directive,” he said.
While certain responsibilities lie with other agencies, such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Achimugu emphasised the NCAA’s role in monitoring and supporting these efforts.
“So I think it’s in process because we also were asked recently to implement a certain number of things, but although that one is not within our own purview because we do not charge taxes at the airport, that’s FAAN and NAMA,” he noted.
He concluded by highlighting the collaborative efforts between agencies to address the issue comprehensively. “But NCAA is monitoring what’s going on, and then we will be able to support the other agencies and collaborate.
“The high airfare committee is a collaboration between the CAA and NCCPC, and we were able to make some impact last time over the release of the low inventory tickets. So, we’ll also look at the other factors that may be responsible,” Achimugu stated.
The Gusau International Airport (GIA) in Zamfara state has passed the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) quality assurance tests and inspections ahead of the commencement of commercial operations next month.
The development comes as the airport prepares to begin scheduled commercial flights between Gusau and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
According to a statement by the state government on Tuesday, XEJet Limited is expected to operate bi-weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays from the first week of October.
An official of a leading Nigerian aviation agency said the airport’s instrument flight procedures had undergone ICAO’s 17-step quality assurance and approval process, with GIA completing and passing all the stages.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, said the process was part of Nigeria’s efforts to implement corrective measures recommended by ICAO.
ICAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for coordinating international air navigation standards and promoting the safe and orderly development of international air transport.
Nigeria’s civil aviation system recorded an effective implementation (EI) score of 75 percent after an ICAO audit in 2023.
The official said ICAO conducted a follow-up inspection, known as the ICAO coordinated validation mission (ICVM), in April 2026, during which Nigeria had a significant safety concern (SSC).
He said the concern was resolved within the prescribed 40-day period, although Nigeria was required to implement associated medium-term corrective action plans.
As part of the corrective measures, the instrument flight procedures at several Nigerian airports were subjected to ICAO’s 17-step quality assurance and approval process.
“Of all the airports assessed, only Gusau International Airport (GIA) completed and passed all the 17 steps,” the senior aviation official said.
“The evidence of GIA’s successful completion of this demanding process formed part of the documentation submitted to ICAO.
“Following the ICVM, Nigeria achieved an impressive EI score of 95.1%.”
On September 21, the Zamfara government signed an air route development partnership agreement with XEJet for scheduled commercial flights between Gusau and Abuja.
The agreement is expected to enhance access to Zamfara and open greater opportunities for investors, businesses and visitors.
Gusau International Airport internet deployment begins ahead of October 1 commercial operations, with free connectivity planned for passengers and staff
The Zamfara State Government has signed an Air Route Development Partnership Agreement with XEJet Limited for scheduled commercial flights between Gusau International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed on Monday marked an important step towards improving connectivity and facilitating business, investment, tourism and economic growth in Zamfara State.
A statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, chaired the signing ceremony.
The statement added that the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammed Nakwada, signed on behalf of the State Government.
The statement read in parts: “Zamfara State government has signed an Air Route Development Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with XEJet Limited for scheduled commercial flights connecting Abuja and Gusau.
“Under the agreement, XEJet will operate bi-weekly flights beginning next month.
“The new air route will enhance access to Zamfara and open greater opportunities for investors, businesses and visitors.”
In his remarks at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor emphasised that the partnership aligns with the state government’s strategic goal of enhancing transportation infrastructure.
He said, “The Gusau International Airport was built entirely from scratch and completed within two years.”
“The main goal of constructing the airport is to make it easier and more efficient for people and goods to move, which should help boost the economy.”
“Governor Lawal has been actively seeking international investors and donor agencies, all of whom are willing to invest in Zamfara.”
“This milestone of initiating a commercial flight will draw potential investors. Improving the state’s accessibility is our top priority, as it will create a more welcoming environment for business growth and investment.”
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