— As ECOWAS Adopts Measures To Reduce Transport Taxes, Lower Costs, Charges of Air Travel
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has adopted what that august body termed as a reduction in transportation, taxes, air travels among others in West African countries.
The Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS made the proposal at their December 2024 Summit in Abuja, which mark a new dawn in the region.
From 1 January 2026, all ECOWAS Member States will abolish air transport taxes and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 percent, in line with a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees.
The decision responds to long-standing concerns about the high cost of flying in West Africa, which has constrained tourism, trade and the free movement of persons and goods.
Implementation of the reform will be monitored by the ECOWAS Commission through a Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism, with the expected outcome of lower airfares, increased passenger traffic, stronger regional airlines and deeper regional integration.
