The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has called for a reduction in taxes and charges imposed on airlines in Nigeria, warning that the country’s aviation sector faces one of the highest business mortality rates in the world.
Onyema made the call during an interview on Arise News, where he lamented the harsh operating environment confronting domestic airlines.
According to him, more than 70 per cent of airline businesses established in Nigeria have collapsed due to the high cost of operations, multiple taxes and regulatory charges imposed by government agencies.
He said the aviation industry in Nigeria remains burdened by excessive costs that make business sustainability difficult for operators.
Onyema noted that while airlines in some countries can access loans at interest rates of about four per cent, Nigerian operators contend with rates ranging from 29 to 33 per cent.
He warned that unless authorities review charges and taxes downward, more airlines could shut down.
“Nigeria has one of the highest mortality rates for aviation businesses in the world. If these charges and taxes are not reviewed, airlines will continue to struggle,” he said.
The Air Peace boss also called on Nigerians to adopt economic measures in response to recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
He expressed support for calls to retaliate against South Africa but insisted that any response should be non-violent.
“I totally agree that there should be a stop to foolishness,” Onyema said while reacting to reports of attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in South Africa.
He questioned what he described as the inability of South African authorities to effectively curb xenophobic violence.
According to him, many Nigerians living in South Africa contribute positively to the country’s economy through investments, entrepreneurship and job creation.
“What have they done? They brought their money from Nigeria, invested in South Africa and created businesses that contribute to the economy,” he said.
Onyema urged Nigerians to boycott South Africa economically by avoiding investments in the country.
“The kind of retaliation I want is non-violent. Let Nigerians boycott South Africa. Don’t invest in that country.
“I don’t want Nigerians attacking South Africans or destroying businesses. That is not who we are as a people,” he said.
He also opposed calls for the closure of South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria, noting that many Nigerians have investments and shareholdings in such companies.
According to him, economic decisions by Nigerians would send a stronger message than confrontation or violence.
The airline executive reiterated the need for stronger diplomatic and economic measures to address the recurring tensions while preserving peaceful relations between citizens of both countries.
