Starting December 1, 2025, international passengers flying into or out of Nigeria will have to pay an additional $11.50 per ticket under the government’s new Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) initiative.
The extra charge will raise Nigeria’s total aviation security levy to $31.50 and is expected to generate about $46 million annually for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
According to the agency, the APIS project is designed to boost airport security, track passenger data more effectively, and enhance border control through a single-window system that will operate for the next 20 years.
The levy applies to all international airlines, with exemptions for infants, diplomats, airline crew on duty, and passengers in transit or rerouted due to weather or technical issues.
However, the new charge adds to several existing fees, including the $20 security levy, the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) of up to $100, and the 5% Ticket Sales Charge (TSC).
Aviation experts warn that the move could push up already high airfares, potentially making Nigeria’s flight costs among the highest in Africa, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Aviation analyst Chris Amokwu said the policy would discourage air travel and burden passengers, while Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd) described it as “multiple taxation” unless the existing $20 levy is scrapped.
The IATA has repeatedly criticized Nigeria’s excessive aviation charges, pointing out that Abuja and Lagos airports are already the costliest in Africa, despite limited improvements in infrastructure.
