From December 1, 2025, all international passengers traveling to or from Nigeria will pay an extra $11.5 flight fee. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) introduced the charge under the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). The fee will apply to both inbound and outbound passengers.
According to the NCAA, airlines will collect the money when passengers buy tickets and send it directly to the authority.
NCAA Explains Purpose of the New Levy
The NCAA said the APIS levy aims to improve national security and border control. The system, created with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), will track passenger movement and help speed up airport clearance.
In a memo to airlines, the NCAA instructed all operators to update their ticketing systems before December 1, 2025. It added that infants, diplomats, airline crew on duty, and transit passengers within 24 hours will not pay the fee.
Rising Costs for Nigerian Travelers
The $11.5 APIS charge adds to the $20 security levy introduced in 2010. This brings total NCAA-related charges to $31.50 per international flight. When combined with the $100 Passenger Service Charge (PSC) from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), travelers now pay about $150 in total taxes and levies.
Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that Nigerian air travelers already pay some of the world’s highest fees around $180 per trip. This figure is 264% higher than in other African countries.
Conclusion
The new $11.5 APIS levy will strengthen airport security and passenger data management. However, travelers fear it will worsen Nigeria’s already high air travel costs. The NCAA and airlines must now ensure smooth implementation before the December rollout.
