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The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the introduction of a new APIS Charge, sparking fresh concerns within the aviation industry about rising costs for passengers and airlines.
According to an official circular signed by Director General Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, the APIS Charge of USD $11.50 will apply to every international passenger departing from or arriving in Nigeria, effective 1 December 2025.
The fee, which will be collected at the point of ticket sale, will be remitted by airlines to the NCAA for the provision of Advance Passenger Information Services. It is expected to remain in effect for 20 years.
Exemptions will apply to infants, diplomats, airline crew on duty, passengers transiting within 24 hours, and involuntary rerouting due to technical or weather disruptions.
Industry stakeholders, however, are raising questions about the policy impact. The announcement comes shortly after calls for government to reduce the burden of multiple charges affecting Nigeria’s aviation sector. Critics argue the new APIS Charge appears contradictory to these earlier commitments.
Information obtained by NigerianFLIGHTDECK shows that in 2010, a similar levy of $20 per passenger was introduced under the guise of Security Fees. The justification then was to fund API systems and security equipment, and the fee was to last for five years. Instead, it became a long-standing cost absorbed by passengers and airlines.
Analysts warn that introducing another fee risks further eroding Nigeria’s competitiveness in the region, particularly as West African neighbours move to simplify charges and encourage traffic growth. They argue that charges initially presented as temporary often become entrenched, with limited accountability on their actual impact.
The NCAA insists the APIS Charge is part of broader efforts to strengthen border control management and enhance national security.
However, industry operators stress that such measures must be balanced with affordability for airlines and passengers, especially at a time when multiple tax and levy changes are already scheduled to take effect in 2026.
The announcement also raises concerns about timing. With airlines still recovering from pandemic losses and high operating costs, industry watchers fear the cumulative effect of multiple charges could discourage travel, undermine Nigeria’s hub aspirations, and reduce inflows from tourism and trade.
The NCAA has directed all international airlines, including Nigerian carriers, to immediately update their ticketing and reservations systems to reflect the new APIS Charge.
Compliance will begin on all tickets issued from 1 December 2025.
IATA’s Global Position on APIS Charge
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recognises the importance of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) programs. These systems strengthen aviation security while improving border control efficiency. However, IATA has consistently warned that APIS charges should not impose unnecessary financial burdens on passengers or airlines.
In its global Facilitation Policy, IATA urges governments to harmonise API implementation with international standards and ensure cost transparency. While API requirements are widely used, IATA highlights that many countries operate without introducing direct passenger fees. This strengthens competitiveness and encourages sustainable growth.
IATA has opposed API-related passenger charges in other jurisdictions, arguing they could undermine affordability and discourage travel. Instead, it urges governments to adopt shared funding models. Such frameworks require states to bear part of the security cost, preventing the transfer of full financial responsibility onto passengers.
Poorly designed APIS charges may duplicate existing fees, confuse travellers, and raise ticket prices unnecessarily.
Policy Concerns in Nigeria
The new APIS charges in Nigeria come as airlines and travellers battle rising costs. This levy adds to long-standing statutory fees, including passenger service, development, and security charges.
At $11.50 per international passenger, the APIS charge could reignite debate on whether Nigeria is overburdening travellers.
Airlines fear the cumulative cost of multiple fees will affect demand. Passengers could seek cheaper routes through neighbouring hubs offering lower charges. This undermines Nigeria’s stated ambition of becoming a competitive regional aviation hub.
Security improvements are necessary, but affordability remains a pressing issue. The new APIS charges risk widening the gap between policy intentions and market realities.
For background on earlier industry reactions to the 2026 tax regime, see our related report here. For more on global API standards, visit the ICAO Passenger Data Exchange page.
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