Women in Aviation Call for Unified Charges, Gender Inclusion in Sector Reforms

The Women in Aviation International (WAI), Nigeria Chapter, has called for the implementation of a unified aviation charge regime, tax reforms, and stronger gender inclusion policies to promote sustainable growth in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Speaking in Lagos, President of WAI Nigeria, Rejoice Ndudinachi, said the aviation sector requires urgent policy interventions to reduce operating costs and improve efficiency. She advocated the creation of a single-window regulatory framework for charges imposed by aviation agencies.

Ndudinachi noted that airlines are currently burdened by multiple charges from agencies including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), a situation she said has significantly increased the cost of doing business.

According to Ndudinachi, the government should introduce tax incentives by reducing multiple agency levies and waiving import duties on aircraft, spare parts, and flight simulators to encourage investment and lower industry costs. She further urged authorities to rehabilitate airport runways, expand terminal facilities, and ensure reliable electricity supply at airports.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola