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NCAA Summons Overland Airways Over Pre-2026 VAT

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NCAA summons Overland Airways over VAT charged on tickets purchased in 2025, as new 2026 tax laws take effect

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned Overland Airways over a dispute regarding value-added tax (VAT) charged on tickets purchased in 2025, The Cable reports.

Also read: Baba Bamu Honoured: Epe Premier Club Visits Lagos Speaker Obasa

The action follows a passenger complaint on X alleging that her 86-year-old grandmother was asked to pay an additional N11,286 in VAT for a ticket bought before the new tax regime took effect.

Airlines were previously exempt from VAT, but new laws implemented by the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) came into force on 1 January 2026.

Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, stated that a meeting was held with Overland Airways to hear the airline’s explanation.

Attendees included NCAA directors of consumer protection and air transport regulations, officials from flight operations and adjudication, the general manager of policy and enforcement, and legal representatives from the authority.

Overland Airways argued that aviation taxes should apply when tickets are flown, not when purchased, and cited a standing understanding with the tax authority to that effect.

Achimugu said the NCAA maintained that any previous arrangement would be overridden by the new tax laws unless the NRS explicitly states otherwise.

“The airline’s argument is that tax in aviation is charged on the ticket flown, not when purchased. They claim to have a standing agreement with the tax body in this regard,” Achimugu explained. However, he noted that official clarification from the NRS is still required.

The NCAA has directed Overland Airways to seek formal guidance from the NRS on whether VAT can be applied retrospectively to tickets bought before 2026 but flown afterwards.

If the NRS confirms that pre-2026 tickets are exempt, the airline has agreed to refund affected passengers.

Overland Airways is expected to submit the NRS response to the NCAA within 10 days.

The dispute comes amid broader industry concerns that the new tax regime may increase airfares.

Also read: Baba Bamu Honoured: Epe Premier Club Visits Lagos Speaker Obasa

The CEO of Air Peace has warned that the changes could strain airline operations and urged government intervention to protect private operators.

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Enugu Air Secures Historic Nigerian Aviation Certification

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Enugu Air receives aviation certification from NCAA, fast-tracking Governor Mbah’s vision to make Enugu a regional hub for commerce and air travel

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US Mission in Nigeria Clarifies Visa Rules for Nigerian Students

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The US Mission in Nigeria assures that Nigerian students with valid F1 and J1 visas can continue studies and exchange programs despite recent visa restrictions

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NCAT Delegation Tours Gusau International Airport, Commends Governor Lawal, Eyes Strategic Partnership for Aviation Training

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In a move signaling a major push for inter-agency cooperation within Nigeria’s aviation sector, a high-level delegation from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, has undertaken an official working visit to Gusau International Airport currently under construction by the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal. The visit, aimed at a comprehensive assessment of the facility’s infrastructure and operational capabilities, is seen as a foundational step toward forging a strategic partnership to bolster aviation training and safety standards across the region.

The NCAT team, led by Nasir Muhammad Bungura, conducted an extensive tour of the airport premises. They were received and accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Zamfara State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Haruna Dikko Gusau, underscoring the state government’s keen interest in maximizing the airport’s potential.

During the meticulous inspection, the delegation evaluated the airport’s runway, terminal buildings, navigational aids, and safety apparatus. Following the tour, Mr. Bungura commended Governor Lawal for a job well done as he expressed profound satisfaction with the state of the facility, describing the infrastructure, operational protocols, and visible ongoing upgrade projects as both encouraging and highly promising.

“The standards we have observed here today are commendable and align strongly with international best practices,” Bungura stated. “Gusau International Airport possesses a robust foundation. Our visit was to assess how this facility can serve as a practical hub for our training programs, offering our students real-world exposure to a modern, functioning airport environment.”

The delegation highlighted the airport’s latent potential to serve as a critical node for specialized aviation training, particularly in areas of safety operations, air traffic control simulations, and aircraft handling. Such collaboration, they noted, would not only enhance the practical skills of NCAT cadets but also contribute to elevating the overall safety and efficiency metrics of Nigeria’s air transport system.

Engr. Haruna Dikko Gusau welcomed the NCAT delegation’s interest, reiterating the Zamfara State government under Governor Dauda Lawal is committed to developing the airport as a catalyst for economic growth and regional integration. “This visit is a testament to the growing strategic importance of Gusau International Airport,” Engr. Gusau remarked. “We are not just building infrastructure; we are creating a hub for opportunity. Partnering with a prestigious institution like NCAT will ensure this facility contributes meaningfully to human capital development and the advancement of Nigeria’s aviation industry.”

The visit marks a significant milestone for Gusau International Airport, transitioning its role from a regional transit point to a potential center of excellence for aviation education and a key partner in national aviation development. Both parties are expected to hold further discussions to formalize areas of collaboration, which could pave the way for NCAT to utilize the airport for specialized training exercises and curriculum development in the near future.

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