CSOs urge FG to remove one-year tax waiver for Air Peace

From Abubakar Yunusa

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has urged the federal government and relevant stakeholders to rescind the one-year tax waiver granted to the Nigerian indigenous carrier Air Peace due to alleged collusion among foreign carriers operating the Nigeria-UK route.

Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, recently asserted that foreign carriers operating the Nigeria-UK route are intentionally undercutting airfares on the route as part of a scheme to drive Air Peace out of international operations.

“If Air Peace is prematurely forced out, this country will pay dearly for it. Billions will be lost, and there will be a heavy strain on the naira. We are being deliberately frustrated in all ways,” he said.

In response to the situation, NCSCN Executive Director Blessing A. Akinlosotu said We passionately appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, an accomplished businessman himself, to support Air Peace by revoking the one-year tax holiday.

“This will greatly assist in keeping this patriotic indigenous operator afloat against foreign competition,” Akinlosotu stated.

Speaking further,Air Peace’s numerous interventions for Nigerians during national emergencies and distress, describing the airline as the most patriotic and progressive operator in Nigeria.

He noted that many airlines are now offering significantly reduced fares on routes such as Lagos/London and Abuja/London Heathrow, in contrast to previous pricing structures.

Akinlosotu emphasized the need for the Federal Government and all Nigerians to recognize the economic significance of supporting Air Peace against foreign pressures, calling it a national challenge.

“Air Peace has exposed the tactics of foreign operators, similar to what GLO Nigeria did in the telecom industry. Nigerians should support Air Peace despite the deceptive pricing of foreign competitors, as this will strengthen our economy,” he concluded.