Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has raised alarm that the proposed tax law scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, could cripple Nigeria’s already struggling airline industry if implemented without adjustment.
Speaking on behalf of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) at the 100 Years of Aviation in Nigeria celebration in Abuja, Onyema warned that the new tax regime poses an existential threat to local carriers. He said the operators would soon meet with members of the National Assembly, alongside the Minister of Aviation, to appeal for intervention.
“If this taxation plan is allowed to stand, every airline will crumble,” Onyema said, expressing confidence that President Bola Tinubu would address the industry’s concerns.
He commended the current administration for the unprecedented support the aviation sector is receiving, stating that airlines are the ones who truly experience the impact of policies and are unafraid to speak up when necessary. Representing the entire AON, he said the group will criticise or commend government actions when appropriate.
Onyema praised President Tinubu for appointing Festus Keyamo as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, describing the decision as pivotal to reviving a sector that was previously “almost dead.” He said Nigerian airlines had long been unfairly labelled as ineffective and incapable, despite their critical role in national development.
Highlighting past challenges, he said operators had been “demonised” and portrayed as lacking capacity, even though they continued to power the economy and ensure the mobility of millions. He noted that significant progress has been made but added that more reforms are still needed.
In his remarks, Minister Festus Keyamo urged aviation veterans to continue supporting the sector’s growth. He said the 100-year celebration was an opportunity to honour the engineers, pilots, crew, and other professionals whose decades of service shaped the industry. Keyamo apologised for any omissions in the honours list, noting that hundreds of unsung heroes contributed to Nigeria’s aviation history.
Awardees included Capt. Ado Sanusi, Chief Wale Babalakin, Sir Joseph Arumemi, Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu, Capt. Dele Ore, Ms. Bimbo Sosina, Dr. Gbenga Olowo, Dr. Soji Amusan, Sen. Musa Adede, Capt. Prex Porbeni, among several others who were recognised for their contributions to national aviation development.