Member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have been advised to eliminate all taxes on air travel to align with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The recommendation came from a group of aviation experts during the Sixth Legislature Delocalised Meeting of the Joint ECOWAS Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure, Energy and Mines, Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources, held in Lomé, Togo.
The committee emphasized that removing taxes on air travel would boost regional connectivity, enhance affordability, and support economic growth across West Africa.
In a related development, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice launched a landmark external session in Lagos on Thursday. During the opening ceremony, Court President Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves expressed gratitude to the government and people of Lagos State for their hospitality and reaffirmed the court’s commitment to justice, regional integration, and the protection of human rights in the subregion.
The event drew dignitaries from across West Africa, highlighting the growing visibility and influence of the ECOWAS Court.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS also proposed a 25% reduction in airport passenger service and security charges, set to take effect from January 1, 2026, following discussions with airport and civil aviation stakeholders.
