‘We Are Being Taxed to Death’: United Nigeria Airlines Founder Slams Multiple Levies as Carrier Launches Accra Route

United Nigeria Airlines marked a major milestone on Monday as it launched its Accra, Ghana route with an elaborate cultural showcase in both Abuja and Accra. At Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, a colourful troupe set the tone for the maiden flight, while at Kotoka International Airport, Ghanaian performers welcomed the delegation with vibrant traditional displays.

The aircraft used for the inaugural flight was named after the late Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings, honouring his legacy as an iconic African leader.

Following the historic flight, the airline’s founder, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, spoke with journalists about the company’s strategy for sustaining the Accra route, the intense competition within the West African travel corridor, and the rising operational challenges facing Nigerian airlines.

“Passengers Can Only Buy Tickets From Airlines That Are Available”

Okonkwo said United Nigeria Airlines is entering the Nigeria–Accra corridor with strong confidence, noting that their CRJ-900 aircraft—described as “a beautiful aircraft” with 90 seats—is optimally suited for the route.

He also highlighted the airline’s enviable record of nearly 98% on-time departures, promising to bring the same reliability to regional operations.

Despite a competitive market, he stressed that Nigeria–Accra remains the busiest short-haul corridor in West Africa, accounting for “50 per cent of regional traffic” originating from Nigeria.

“Nigeria Has a Reputation to Tax More Than Any Other Country”

Okonkwo strongly criticised the heavy taxes imposed on Nigerian airlines, saying they are crippling operators and discouraging air travel.

He lamented that every passenger flying from Nigeria to Ghana pays $100 in charges—compared to Ghana’s $60—before even factoring in ticket costs.

“These things are killing us and suffocating us,” he said. “We are being taxed to death. It is too much that we cannot even breathe anymore.”

He warned that excessive taxes make Nigerian operators uncompetitive and lead to capital flight as passengers patronise foreign airlines that repatriate their earnings.
Despite duty-free importation on aircraft and spare parts announced by the aviation ministry, Okonkwo insisted that multiple levies—including a 1% ECOWAS tax and a 5% ticket sales charge—remain oppressive.

“Aviation Is an Essential Sector; You Cannot Tax a Country Into Greatness”

Okonkwo argued that Nigeria must treat aviation as an essential economic enabler, not merely a revenue source.
He explained that operators face interest rates as high as 35% when accessing loans locally, compared with 2–3% available to foreign carriers.

“When somebody in another country is getting loans at five per cent and we are getting it at 35 per cent, my ticket is already 30 per cent more expensive. Operators cannot grow under such conditions,” he said.

On Delays During Yuletide: “95% Are Not the Operator’s Fault”

The airline founder revealed that United Nigeria Airlines will operate nine aircraft by the end of the month, with increased frequencies on major routes like Lagos–Abuja.

He attributed most holiday-season delays to poor weather conditions and inadequate airport landing technology, especially the lack of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) in several airports.

On New $11.5 Security Levy: “Aviation Has Become Like an Elephant People Feed On”

Commenting on the incoming NCAA security levy, Okonkwo expressed concern that operators are being burdened with overlapping charges from different agencies.

“There was already $20 security. Now another $11.5 from immigration. What security are they providing?” he asked, calling for clarity and alignment with ICAO and IATA standards.

Partnerships and the Road Ahead

Okonkwo confirmed that the airline plans to collaborate with other Nigerian carriers operating the Ghana route under the existing “Spring Alliance,” which includes Air Peace, Aero, and Arik Air.

United Nigeria Airlines, he said, remains open to partnerships that strengthen Nigerian operators’ presence in regional aviation.

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