The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has finalised plans to impose a US$11.50 advance passenger information system (APIS) levy on every international air ticket issued for travel into or out of Nigeria — a move slated to take effect from 1 December 2025.

What the levy covers

According to the NCAA, the APIS levy will be collected at the point of ticket sale and remitted by the airline. The new charge is classified as a “security fee”, aimed at strengthening aviation security and improving passenger-data management systems in line with international standards.
Once the new charge is added to the existing US$20 security fee, the total security-related ticket charge will rise to US$31.50 per passenger.
The NCAA projects that, based on current international passenger volumes (4.3 million in 2024, up 6.5 % from the previous year), the levy could generate about US$49.45 million annually, and approach US$1 billion over 20 years at current exchange rates.

Response from the industry

The decision has stirred criticism from aviation stakeholders. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria (AOPAN) president Alex Nwuba described the levy as “another blow to travellers and Nigeria’s already burdened aviation sector.” He noted that many countries absorb APIS costs rather than passing them to passengers.
Similarly, Association of Foreign Airlines Representatives in Nigeria’s president, Kingsley Nwokeoma, questioned the logic of the additional levy, warning that it risks discouraging tourism and investment by making air travel less affordable.
Veteran aviation expert John Ojikutu asked: “What’s the difference between this new US$11.50 and the US$20 already being collected?” adding that Nigerian carriers may face reciprocal burdens abroad.

Nigeria already ranks among the most expensive countries in Africa in terms of ticket taxes and charges. The new APIS levy adds another layer of cost for travellers — potentially driving passengers to choose alternative departure points in neighbouring countries.
With foreign exchange volatility and soaring inflation, industry analysts warn this extra cost could lead to fewer international travellers, lower airline profitability and slower growth in tourism.
The NCAA says the proceeds will go toward upgrades in safety infrastructure and passenger-profiling systems across Nigerian airports.