The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have lauded President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, for halting the implementation of the proposed four percent Free on Board (FOB) levy on imports.
In a statement issued by AON President, Abdulmunaf Sarina, and made available to The PUNCH on Tuesday, the group described the suspension as a significant step toward sustaining a conducive business environment in Nigeria. According to AON, the decision reflects the government’s commitment to protecting key sectors of the economy while fostering long-term stability and growth.
The proposed levy had generated widespread criticism across different sectors of the economy. Manufacturers, importers, and customs agents had raised alarm that its enforcement would escalate inflation, disrupt trade, and negatively impact Nigeria’s already fragile economic climate. Concerns were particularly strong in the aviation sector, where operators warned of steep operational cost increases that could weaken service delivery and competitiveness.
Minister Wale Edun, explaining the rationale behind the suspension, acknowledged the wide-ranging concerns expressed by stakeholders. He stated that while the levy was introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service, its implementation risked creating bottlenecks to trade facilitation, undermining economic stability, and discouraging investment. Edun emphasized that the government’s decision was driven by its sensitivity to the challenges facing businesses and its determination to prioritize policies that promote a fair, competitive, and investor-friendly climate.
The AON noted that the aviation industry, already grappling with multiple economic headwinds, would have been among the hardest hit if the levy had taken effect. According to the group, the additional charges would have increased the cost of importing critical spare parts, equipment, and other essential inputs, thereby raising operational expenses across the sector. Such a development, it warned, could have led to job losses, weakened service delivery, and diminished Nigeria’s position in the global aviation market.
In its statement, the AON praised Minister Edun for what it described as “exemplary leadership and responsiveness.” The association commended him for listening to stakeholder concerns, adding that his decision reflected not only patriotism but also fairness and diligence in the pursuit of national economic growth.
The operators further stressed that the suspension of the levy was a “bold and thoughtful” policy intervention. They argued that the move would help protect jobs, curb inflationary pressures, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade and aviation. By shielding the industry from additional cost burdens, the government, they said, has taken a critical step toward ensuring the sustainability of the aviation sector.
Reaffirming their commitment to partnership with the Federal Government, the AON pledged to continue working with relevant authorities to enhance the growth and resilience of the industry. They expressed confidence that with policies such as this, the aviation sector can contribute significantly to President Tinubu’s broader economic agenda and Nigeria’s long-term development goals.
