The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for urgent reductions in aviation taxes and charges across West Africa, saying the move would help lower airfares, strengthen airline competitiveness and unlock the growth potential of the region’s aviation sector.

Speaking at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Brazil, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Al-Awadhi, identified Nigeria as one of the world’s most expensive countries in which to operate an airline, citing persistently high operating costs that continue to weigh on carriers.

Despite ongoing reforms spearheaded by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Al-Awadhi noted that airlines still face significant financial pressures arising from taxes, charges and other operational costs.

According to him, the high-cost operating environment has limited the ability of airlines to expand, remain profitable and compete effectively with carriers in other markets.

To address the challenge, IATA urged member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to implement a proposed 25 per cent reduction in aviation taxes and charges.

Al-Awadhi said the measure would make air travel more affordable, stimulate passenger demand and encourage greater investment in the aviation sector.

He explained that reducing the cost burden on airlines would improve regional connectivity, support economic growth and strengthen the role of aviation as a catalyst for trade and tourism.

Industry stakeholders have consistently advocated lower taxes and charges, arguing that the current cost structure places unnecessary pressure on airlines and ultimately increases the cost of travel for passengers.

The latest intervention by IATA is expected to strengthen ongoing discussions on aviation reforms in West Africa, particularly as governments seek ways to expand air transport networks, attract investment and improve the sustainability of local airlines.

Analysts believe that implementing the proposed tax reductions could help create a more enabling operating environment, allowing airlines to grow passenger traffic, improve service delivery and contribute more significantly to economic development across the region.

The Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has been selected to deliver the 14th Convocation Lecture of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), in recognition of his contributions to national development and service to humanity.

The university also announced that Okonkwo will be conferred with an honorary degree during the institution’s 2026 convocation ceremonies scheduled for October.

In a letter signed by the Founder and Chancellor of ABUAD, Afe Babalola, the university disclosed that its Senate approved Okonkwo as the convocation lecturer for the event.

According to the letter, the lecture will take place on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Alfa Belgore Multipurpose Hall on the university campus, while the honorary degree award will be conferred during the grand finale of the convocation ceremonies on Wednesday, October 21.

ABUAD said Okonkwo would be among three distinguished Nigerians selected to receive honorary degrees this year, noting that the recognition is reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to humanity and national development.

Explaining the choice of the airline executive, the Chancellor described Okonkwo as a distinguished professional whose achievements and leadership credentials make him eminently qualified to deliver the convocation lecture.

“With your antecedents and pedigree, you are certainly the right person to be invited to deliver the 14th Convocation Lecture,” Babalola stated in the letter.

The Chancellor also noted that the invitation would provide Okonkwo an opportunity to witness the university’s achievements over the past 16 years in advancing quality and functional education in Nigeria and to explore possible areas of collaboration.

The institution highlighted its commitment to educational excellence, saying it has continued to transform higher education through the promotion of quality learning, innovation and practical knowledge.

Responding to the invitation, Okonkwo expressed gratitude to the university and described the dual honour as a privilege.

“It is my absolute delight to accept both proposed designations as Convocation Lecturer and as a Recipient of the University’s Honorary Degree,” he said.

The United Nigeria Airlines chairman added that he was honoured to join the ranks of eminent statesmen and technocrats previously featured at the university’s convocation ceremonies and pledged his continued commitment to the service of humanity.

The development further underscores the growing recognition of Okonkwo’s contributions across the aviation, business and educational sectors, as ABUAD prepares for one of the major highlights of its 2026 academic calendar.

Passengers on United Nigeria Airlines enjoyed an unexpected reward on Monday as the airline presented newly released Samsung Galaxy smartphones to lucky winners during selected Lagos–Abuja and Abuja–Lagos flights.

The giveaway was part of the airline’s “Awesome Row” partnership with Samsung, an initiative designed to enhance customer experience by combining travel with access to cutting-edge technology.

Three passengers — Hamid Ibrahim, Chidi Chinedu and Gbenga Bello — emerged winners through an onboard lucky dip conducted during the flights and received the latest Samsung Galaxy devices.

In addition to the prizes, passengers were given exclusive inflight access to experience Samsung’s newly launched Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37 smartphones, creating an interactive product showcase at 30,000 feet.

Speaking on the success of the promotion, the Chief Commercial Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Dayo Olawuyi, said the initiative reflects the airline’s commitment to delivering memorable experiences for customers.

According to him, the partnership with Samsung aligns with the airline’s mission of connecting people while offering value beyond transportation.

“At United Nigeria Airlines, we fly to unite. Every route we operate, every flight we run, is about bringing Nigerians together, whether for business, work or family functions,” Olawuyi said.

He noted that the collaboration with Samsung was designed to create lasting memories for passengers while rewarding customer loyalty.

“This partnership with Samsung is an extension of that mission because they share our belief in delivering the very best to Nigerians. Together, we wanted to create a moment that passengers would never forget. We are very thrilled for Hamid, Chidi and Gbenga, and we congratulate them on their wins,” he added.

Olawuyi reiterated that the airline remains focused on ensuring passengers enjoy quality service and innovative experiences that distinguish the carrier within Nigeria’s aviation market.

The promotion forms part of United Nigeria Airlines’ broader strategy to strengthen customer engagement and reward passengers through unique value-added initiatives.