Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called on African countries to reduce taxes and other charges on air travel in a bid to make flying more affordable and accessible across the continent.
Speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural African Air Transport Conference held in Lomé, Keyamo said lowering the cost of tickets would significantly expand access to air transportation for millions of Africans.
He also reiterated his support for a visa-free Africa, stressing that freer movement across borders would boost trade, tourism, and regional integration.
On domestic aviation reforms, the minister revealed that Nigeria is in the process of setting up an aircraft leasing company to support airlines in acquiring and renewing their fleets.
According to him, the initiative will include government-backed tax holidays and other incentives aimed at attracting investors and reducing operational pressure on local carriers.
Keyamo added that the broader goal is to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector while making air travel more affordable and sustainable.