NCAA Introduces $11.5 APIS Levy On International Flight Tickets From 1st December
By OBIOMA TORI
THE Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the introduction of a $11.5 charge on all international flight tickets to and from Nigeria, effective 1 December 2025, under its Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) initiative.
According to a directive issued to airlines, the new fee will apply to every ticket issued from December 1 for passengers departing from or arriving in Nigeria. The NCAA said the measure is designed to strengthen border security, streamline airport operations, and enhance inter-agency data sharing through a “single window” system.
The aviation regulator explained that the APIS system, developed in partnership with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), will allow for the pre-screening of passenger data before arrival or departure, improving airport efficiency and safety while helping government agencies monitor passenger movement more effectively.
“The APIS charge will be collected at the point of sale and will be levied on all tickets issued from 1st December 2025, for each passenger departing from or arriving in Nigeria,” the circular stated.
“All airlines, including Nigerian carriers, are required to update their ticketing and reservation systems to reflect the new charge, as invoicing will commence immediately for tickets issued from that date.”
The NCAA noted that the new levy is distinct from the existing $20 security surcharge introduced in 2010 and other airport-related fees currently administered by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Officials said revenue from the APIS charge will support system maintenance, data integration, and the development of digital infrastructure required to sustain the initiative over a 20-year operational period.
The NCAA further clarified that certain categories of travellers will be exempt from the new charge, including infants, diplomats, on-duty airline crew, and passengers on transit or transfer within 24 hours, as well as those involuntarily re-routed due to technical or weather-related issues.
Aviation sources estimate that the exempted categories make up roughly 10 percent of the total travelling public.
Industry observers say the new levy could slightly increase the cost of international air travel but may ultimately enhance Nigeria’s aviation security and compliance with global data-sharing standards mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
