The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has kicked off a series of strategic consultations in Lomé, Togo, aimed at tackling the high costs of air travel across West Africa. The discussions involve aviation ministers, civil aviation authorities, and international stakeholders, focusing on actionable solutions to reduce ticket prices by 25% and make air travel more affordable in the region. This initiative is in line with ECOWAS’s goal of improving regional connectivity through affordable transportation while prioritizing enhanced security measures to support integration.
These consultations are a direct response to directives from the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government during their 65th Ordinary Session in July 2024, which called for swift action to address soaring air travel costs, taxes, and service charges. With the region facing some of the highest airfares globally, ECOWAS is working to create a more accessible and competitive air transport system.
In his opening remarks, Lieutenant-Colonel Idrissou Ahabou Abdou, Director General of Togo’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), emphasized the gathering’s role in advancing air traffic growth, passenger rights, and airport security. He highlighted the potential for air travel to drive economic and social development across West Africa through unified actions.
Representing the ECOWAS Commission, Chris Appiah, Director of Transport, called for urgent measures to address the high cost structure of air transport, which currently restricts regional integration by limiting affordable travel options. He expressed optimism that these reforms would drive both cost reduction and enhanced airspace security, key priorities for West Africa’s competitiveness.
The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, also underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to reduce ticket costs while finalizing security regulations as outlined by ECOWAS leadership. He encouraged expert contributions to implementation plans that ensure both safety and affordability for travelers.
As part of the event, officials from ECOWAS member states and the ECOWAS Commission will conduct a working visit to Gnassingbé Eyadema International Airport in Lomé. The delegation will observe security measures and learn about ongoing efforts to streamline traveler processing and security at the airport. Presentations from ASKY Airlines will showcase current initiatives at their hub, which aim to support greater connectivity across the ECOWAS region.
The outcomes of these consultations will be compiled as recommendations to be reviewed by the Ministers of Air Transport and aviation officials. These will then be presented for endorsement by the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government at their December 2024 Summit.
ECOWAS remains committed to pursuing reforms that enhance regional connectivity, promote economic development, and support the seamless movement of people and goods. The anticipated reforms are expected to be a turning point for the West African aviation sector, positioning it as a central facilitator of regional integration and growth.
HLP-WA-TRANS-20241106-1129 | Follow us on LinkedIn: Harboursim LP
