OPPOSITION WARNS TINUBU’S TAX REFORMS MAY MAKE AIR TRAVEL UNAFFORDABLE FOR NIGERIANS

Chile Igbawua, spokesperson of the National Opposition Movement, has raised fresh concerns over the Bola Tinubu administration’s proposed tax reforms, warning that the policy direction could trigger major negative consequences for Nigeria’s aviation industry and the wider economy.

Speaking during an interview shared by Arise TV, Igbawua said stakeholders within the aviation sector fear the new tax structure will significantly increase operational costs for airlines. According to him, these rising expenses would be transferred to passengers in the form of higher ticket prices.

He argued that the development could restrict air travel to only the wealthy, reversing the gradual progress Nigeria has witnessed in commercial aviation over the years.

“By January 1, 2026, many who can afford to fly today will no longer be able to,” Igbawua warned, stressing that such a shift contradicts the administration’s stated commitment to reducing hardship and boosting economic growth.

Igbawua noted that air travel has become vital for medical emergencies, business logistics, and family movement, and warned that increasing fares may deepen social inequality and reduce economic mobility for middle- and lower-income earners.

The opposition spokesperson added that reduced passenger numbers would impact airlines’ sustainability, trigger job losses, and hurt connected industries such as tourism and hospitality.

He called on the federal government to reassess the aviation-related aspects of the tax reforms and engage relevant stakeholders before implementation.

According to Igbawua, the National Opposition Movement’s stance is driven by public interest, urging authorities to prioritise fairness, sustainability, and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians in any fiscal restructuring plan.