By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has defended Nigeria’s new tax laws, insisting that the reforms will ease, rather than worsen the financial pressure on the aviation industry.

According to the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, the new framework directly addresses several long-standing tax issues that have driven up airline operating costs over the years.

In a detailed explanation by the Committee’s Chairman, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, the government acknowledged the genuine challenges facing airlines, including multiple taxes, levies and regulatory charges.

This comes after the chairman of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema, cautioned that Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector faces a serious financial strain as the tax provisions set to kick start by 2026 risk pushing ticket prices beyond N1 million and forcing airlines to suspend operations.

In a lengthy post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr Oyedele noted that extensive consultations with airline operators have taken place and that engagements with stakeholders are ongoing to ensure the reforms deliver tangible relief.

He explained that at the centre of the reforms is the removal of the 10 per cent withholding tax (WHT) on aircraft leases, which has historically been the single largest tax burden on Nigerian airlines. Under the previous regime, airlines paid non-recoverable WHT on leased aircraft, significantly increasing costs and straining cash flow.

He said the new tax laws eliminate this automatic charge and replace it with a rate to be determined by regulation, opening the door for a full exemption or a substantially reduced rate.

“A $50 million aircraft lease previously attracted $5 million in WHT—an amount airlines can now avoid under the new framework,” he illustrated.

The reforms also overhaul the treatment of Value Added Tax (VAT) in the sector. While the temporary VAT suspension introduced after COVID-19 appeared beneficial, it effectively embedded VAT into airline costs because input VAT on assets, consumables and overheads could not be recovered. Under the new laws, airlines become fully VAT-neutral. VAT paid on imported or locally sourced goods and services will be fully claimable, with refunds mandated within 30 days where excess credits arise.

Mr Oyedele said the system is backed by a dedicated tax refund account and allows VAT credits to be offset against other tax liabilities, improving liquidity and reducing cost pressures.

On import duties, the government clarified that existing exemptions on commercial aircraft, engines and spare parts remain intact.

“The new tax laws do not introduce any reversal or additional burden in this area, preserving critical cost relief for airlines that depend heavily on imported equipment,” he said.

He also addressed concerns around ticket prices, noting that the committee is understands that aviation is a low-margin business and that a 7.5 per cent VAT on tickets, within a system of full input VAT recovery, has a much smaller net impact than widely assumed. Even in a worst-case scenario where VAT is not recoverable, the maximum increase would still be limited to the headline 7.5 per cent.

“For example, a N125,000 ticket would rise to no more than N134,375, while a N350,000 ticket would not exceed N376,250,” he said.

The tax titan also noted that further relief is expected from changes to corporate taxation. The new laws provide a framework to reduce corporate income tax from 30 per cent to 25 per cent, a move that would directly benefit airlines.

In addition, several profit-based levies—such as Tertiary Education Tax, NASENI, NITDA and Police levies—have been harmonised into a single Development Levy. This consolidation reduces complexity, lowers the cumulative burden and provides greater certainty for operators.

Addressing complaints about multiple levies and charges on airlines and tickets, the committee clarified that these are not products of the new tax laws. Rather, they are legacy issues that the government is working to resolve through collaboration with industry players and relevant agencies.

Mr Oyedele also maintained that the new tax laws offer a strong legal and policy foundation to resolve long-standing challenges in the aviation sector. By lowering operating costs, improving cash flow and ensuring minimal impact on passengers, the reforms are positioned as a critical part of the solution to the industry’s problems—not the cause.

He stressed that sustained engagement with stakeholders will be key to addressing remaining non-tax issues and ensuring the full benefits of the reforms are realised.

He added that claims not grounded in fact risk undermining progress, noting that the new tax laws are designed to support the long-term viability and growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has announced plans to introduce the new biometric emergency travel document, the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP), by 2026 as part of reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s immigration processes and strengthening border security.

Initially revealed in November, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Kemi Nandap, speaking on Monday in Abuja during the decoration of 46 newly promoted Assistant Comptrollers of Immigration (ACIs) to the rank of Comptrollers of Immigration, said the proposed STEP would replace the current Single Travel Emergency Certificate (STEC) and is designed to enhance efficiency, security, and global acceptability of Nigeria’s emergency travel documentation.

She explained that the new emergency passport would be biometric-based and deployed through alternative, technology-driven platforms to ensure seamless service delivery.

“I’m looking forward to embracing 2026, which will also be part of all the reforms we’re doing to ensure that we optimise our services, in terms of visas, passport production lines and our contactless solutions,” she said.

The NIS boss noted that the STEP is one of several technology-driven innovations being rolled out by the Service to improve operational efficiency and meet its constitutional mandate.

She also highlighted the recent introduction of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), describing it as a critical step towards seamless regional integration and secure cross-border movement within West Africa.

“We want to ensure that our processes are seamless. The STEP, which we are going to launch early next year, is another key programme that will further strengthen our service delivery,” Nandap added.

The Comptroller General charged the newly decorated officers to demonstrate heightened vigilance, professionalism, and integrity, particularly in light of Nigeria’s prevailing security challenges.

“Your decoration today symbolises the trust reposed in you and carries with it expectations of enhanced leadership, sound judgement, accountability and exemplary conduct,” she said.

Mrs Nandap stressed that officers at senior levels must combine professional competence with strong leadership qualities, including clarity of vision, decisiveness, empathy, and the ability to mentor and inspire subordinates.

“Considering the current security challenges our nation faces, we must remain vigilant and unrelenting in the fight against multifaceted threats. Your actions will set the tone and reflect the core values and reputation of this Service,” she warned.

She reaffirmed the Service’s zero tolerance for indolence and unprofessional conduct, urging officers to embrace innovation, adapt to emerging challenges, and place the interest of the NIS above personal considerations.

The idea of spending retirement in France comes up often — sometimes because of the climate, sometimes because of the healthcare system, and sometimes simply because of the way everyday life is organised there. But once the initial appeal fades, a practical question usually follows: under what conditions can a retiree actually live in France legally?

The short answer is: it’s possible.
The longer answer requires a closer look.

No “retirement visa,” but a workable solution

Unlike some countries, France does not offer a dedicated retirement visa. This often comes as a surprise. In practice, however, most retired foreigners settle in France under the long-stay visitor visa — a residence status that is not tied to age or professional background.

The logic behind it is straightforward: France allows people to live in the country if they do not intend to work and can support themselves financially. For this reason, the visitor visa is used not only by retirees, but by other financially independent residents as well.

Income matters more than age

When an application is reviewed, age itself is rarely decisive. Financial stability is.

French authorities do not publish a fixed minimum income requirement. What they assess instead is whether the applicant has sufficient and reliable resources to live in France without relying on public assistance. This usually includes:

• a state or private pension;
• additional regular income;
• personal savings.

In practice, the clearer and more predictable the income, the stronger the application.

Housing is not a formality

Relocation is not possible without a confirmed place to live. A hotel booking or short-term accommodation is usually not enough.

Applicants are expected to show that they:

• have secured long-term rental housing;
• own property in France;
• or will legally reside with a host who can provide accommodation.

This is one of the most closely examined aspects of the application — and one of the most common reasons for refusal.

Healthcare: private coverage first

At the time of application, retirees must hold private health insurance valid in France and covering essential medical risks. This requirement is non-negotiable.

Access to France’s public healthcare system may become possible after a period of legal residence, but this depends on individual circumstances, length of stay, and administrative status. It is not automatic.

What the process usually looks like

Moving to France is rarely a single step. More often, it unfolds as a sequence:

• applying for a long-stay visa in the country of residence;
• entering France;
• completing administrative registration;
• residing legally for the duration of the visa;
• applying for renewal.

The initial status is typically granted for up to one year. Continued residence depends on meeting the same conditions.

Restrictions people often overlook

Living in France under a visitor visa comes with clear limitations:

• working in France is prohibited;
• income from French sources is not allowed;
• social benefits are not part of this status.

These are not temporary inconveniences, but core conditions of residence.

Looking further ahead

Long-term legal residence can, over time, open the door to a more permanent status, such as long-term residency. In theory, citizenship may also be possible, though it requires meeting additional criteria, including language proficiency and integration.

For many retirees, however, the goal is simpler: to live quietly and legally, without having to change status every few months.

Moving to France after retirement is not about a special programme or age-based privilege. It is a question of preparation, financial resources, and understanding the rules. For those with stable income and no intention to work, France offers a lawful and relatively predictable way to settle long-term.

No promises of shortcuts — but no closed doors either.