Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, the Chairman of United Nigeria
Airlines, has pointed out that the exorbitant airfares in Nigeria can be
attributed to the numerous taxes imposed on each ticket, along with the
significant increase in foreign exchange rates.
During a televised interview observed by BrandIconImage,
Okonkwo emphasized that airlines in Nigeria are facing challenges due to the
heavy tax burden and the unfavorable foreign exchange rate, currently standing
at approximately N1,605.00 to one US dollar.
He expressed his concern that the current challenges are
having a detrimental impact on local airlines. Operators are facing the
difficulty of purchasing spare parts and fixing their aircraft in dollars,
despite the fact that the cost of these parts has not increased abroad. He
emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to rescue the industry,
as the current foreign exchange regime may lead to further increases in ticket
prices.
The number of taxes imposed on us is excessive; with each
ticket sold, we face around 20 to 22 deductions, some of which are redundant.
Despite our pleas for attention, no one seems interested in understanding the
root of the problems and finding solutions. If nothing is done promptly, we
fear that the situation will deteriorate further.
"We recently returned from a conference in South Africa
organized by the International Air Travel Association (IATA), where it was
highlighted that Nigeria still maintains the highest aviation service costs.
Local airlines here are burdened with higher expenses compared to their
counterparts in the Western world," he stated.