FG taps committee on high taxes, implement ECOWAS mandate

The Federal Government has established the National Air Transport Economic Oversight Committee (NATEOC) to tackle high aviation taxes, charges, and fees while ensuring Nigeria adheres to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional aviation policy. NCAA Director-General, Chris Najomo, announced the committee's creation at its inauguration in Abuja, where he highlighted its role in coordinating efforts, assessing compliance, identifying gaps, recommending policy adjustments, and monitoring progress towards fulfilling regional obligations.

NATEOC's responsibilities extend to designing an implementation roadmap, reviewing compliance, ensuring official publication in the national gazette, and collaborating with regional institutions. The committee's formation follows Nigeria's commitment to ECOWAS Supplementary Act A/SA.2/12/24, adopted during the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

This regional instrument aims to make air travel more affordable, improve transparency, and promote fair competition in the regional air transport market.

The committee's mandate is to translate the Supplementary Act's provisions into practical, coordinated, and measurable national actions, in line with ICAO Doc 9082. To achieve this goal, Najomo emphasized the need for continuous engagement with stakeholders, particularly domestic airline operators and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Mrs Mary Tufano-Eche, Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, urged committee members to focus on legal and legislative provisions to ensure the regional policy's integration into Nigeria's aviation system without conflicts with existing laws and regulations.