The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has called on the federal government to grant a tax waiver to Air Peace amid ongoing price competition among foreign airline operators in Nigeria. The council believes this move would protect Air Peace from the aggressive pricing strategies of foreign carriers and support the growth of the national economy.
Exploitation of Nigerian Travelers by Foreign Airlines
According to NCSCN’s Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, Air Peace’s launch of a Lagos-London flight at a significantly reduced rate has highlighted the longstanding exploitation of Nigerian travelers by foreign airlines. These foreign carriers have monopolized the profitable Lagos-London route for decades, forcing Nigerians to pay some of the highest airfares in Africa.
With Air Peace’s entrance into the route, foreign airlines have engaged in a pricing war to maintain their market share, offering fares lower than Air Peace’s. This shift raises concerns that foreign airlines are trying to push Air Peace out of business. Additionally, the sudden price cuts question why foreign airlines previously charged such high fares when they can afford to lower prices now.
Government Intervention Needed
Akinlosotu called on the federal government and Nigerians to view the situation as a national challenge and support Air Peace against international competition from foreign airlines. Supporting Air Peace would help grow the national economy and preserve the value of the naira, as foreign airlines typically repatriate their profits to their home countries.
The council appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant Air Peace a one-year tax holiday to help the airline remain competitive.
It also raises demand for the government to closely monitor foreign-owned businesses in Nigeria to prevent them from exploiting their market dominance.
Call to Action
NCSCN warned against allowing foreign airlines to prevail over Nigeria and vowed to mobilize support for Air Peace in the ongoing price war.
Supporting Air Peace is seen as a collective responsibility, both for Nigerians and the government, to ensure meaningful impact on the economy and boost the naira.
Nigerians are encouraged to patronize Air Peace for their travels and not be swayed by the price cuts offered by foreign airlines. The government is also urged to take measures to support Air Peace and protect it from international competitors. In doing so, the nation can bolster its economy and promote its own businesses.
I’ve heard crazy stories about Air Peace, there was a time Jemima Odunde called out Air Peace for shifting her flight to a later date without her permission, same for same for some of other persons, I think they have to do better in organisational matters.