Tinubu approves 30% fee relief for airlines as jet-fuel costs bite

President Bola Tinubu approved a 30 percent discount on outstanding statutory fees owed by domestic airlines to Nigerian aviation agencies as carriers struggled with a sudden increase in the cost of Jet A1 fuel.

The relief followed warnings from airline operators that fuel prices had risen from roughly N1,000 to as much as N1,800 a litre on some supply quotes, threatening schedules and the viability of marginal routes.

Relief, not debt cancellation

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority later clarified that affected operators remain responsible for settling their statutory debts. The authority suspended immediate enforcement of a no-pay, no-service directive while agencies pursued structured recovery with individual carriers.

The intervention provides breathing room but does not solve the underlying exposure of airlines to imported fuel components, exchange-rate movements and high maintenance costs. Passengers may still face schedule and fare pressure if fuel supply remains tight.

Sources

Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, “Suspension of No Pay, No Service Directive and Clarification on Statutory Aviation Charges” (24 May 2026); Ministry of Aviation communication to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (April 2026).