Air Transport Ministers from the Financial Group of West African States (ECOWAS) convened in Lomé, Togo, to deal with the urgent challenges of excessive air transport prices and to fortify aviation safety throughout the area. The ministers additionally thought-about a proposal for compensation to passengers within the case of extreme flight delays. This high-level ministerial gathering builds upon the outcomes of Consultants consultations held earlier within the week, which targeted on formulating methods to make sure extra reasonably priced, environment friendly and secured air transport providers to help regional connectivity and promote deeper financial integration.
The discussions centred on growing concrete methods and customary insurance policies to decrease air journey prices, that are at the moment among the many highest globally. Actually, in West Africa, expenses, taxes and charges characterize virtually fifty per cent (50%) of the overall air ticket value. The objective is to harmonize via a regional Supplementary Act, aviation expenses, taxes and charges in step with worldwide requirements set by the Worldwide Civil Aviation Group (ICAO). Additionally, Ministers adopted a regional regulation regarding the widespread fundamental requirements and measures relevant to aviation safety. These efforts align with the directions issued by the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Authorities throughout their sixty fifth Strange Session in July 2024, which referred to as for decisive actions to cut back air transport prices and enhance accessibility for residents all through West Africa.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Vitality, and Digitalization, M. Sédiko Douka, in his assertion, emphasised that “excessive air journey prices in West Africa function a barrier to commerce and regional integration. Aligning our aviation taxes with world requirements is crucial to make air journey extra accessible and aggressive.”
Honourable Sani Yaya, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure of the Togolese Republic bolstered the decision for collaborative motion, stating that harmonizing aviation expenses and enhancing safety will appeal to important investments, bolster tourism, and strengthen financial cooperation amongst ECOWAS member states. He formally opened the assembly.
Ministers are actively working in direction of establishing a unified regional framework aimed toward decreasing airfares, thereby making air journey extra reasonably priced for each residents and companies and to journey by air won’t come as a lux. Key priorities embody eliminating all taxes as not in step with ICAO suggestions and decreasing by 25% two foremost expenses (passengers and safety). All these choices goal to optimize charges and make sure that aviation safety protocols meet worldwide greatest practices. These reforms which have to be utilized by all Member States earlier than 1st January 2026, are anticipated to drive passenger visitors, stimulate financial progress, and facilitate the free motion of individuals, items, and providers throughout the area, finally deepening regional integration. Inside a 1-year transition interval, nations will make the required fiscal provisions and national-level preparations to make sure a easy take-off. ECOWAS and different companions may also pursue accompanying measures together with useful resource mobilization to help initiatives in Nations, the institution of a regional Oversight Committee to watch adherence and implement different help initiatives just like the regional plane leasing firm and a regional plane upkeep centre to help airways have entry to cheaper providers in West Africa.
The deliberations culminated in suggestions to be introduced to the upcoming ECOWAS Council of Ministers and Heads of State Summit in December 2024. These strategic suggestions are anticipated to solidify the required reforms for remodeling the aviation sector in West Africa, thereby positioning it as a cornerstone for financial progress and regional integration.
Lastly, Ministers agreed that the implementation of those choices to start out no later than 1st January 2026 and arrange of an Oversight Committee to watch the price discount course of.
This concerted effort by ECOWAS underscores its unwavering dedication to fostering sustainable improvement and enhancing regional cohesion via a extra environment friendly and accessible air transport sector.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Financial Group of West African States (ECOWAS).