Calls for the accelerated implementation of the recently adopted Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) airfare policy toward ensuring affordable intra-regional air transportation have continued to grow.

Presently, air travel in the West African sub-region is by far more expensive that among the European Union nations per hour, a situation frowned at by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

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ECOWAS had adopted the policy under its “Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees,” eliminating non-operational air transport taxes, including tourism levies, solidarity tax, passenger and security charges across all member states.

However, up till now, ECOWAS countries have yet to practically adjust their national laws to reflect these fare reductions, as only one country is said to have so far implemented it.

Meanwhile air travels among East African nations, as well as, southern African countries are generally considered to be cheaper and seamless, than what obtains in West African sub-region.

Fielding questions by journalists in Abuja, the Ambassador of Liberia to Nigeria, and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Mr John Ballout has now called for the immediate implementation of the policy adopted last December by member nations of the sub-regional bloc.

Mr. Ballout noted that the policy was intended at ensuring affordable intra-regional air transportation amid challenges faced by regional airline operators who are faced with problematic code-share agreements, levies at various country stops, refueling and multiple ground handling taxes, and others.

Ballout recalled that in December 2025, ECOWAS leaders adopted the removal of 25 per cent tariff on air ticket taxes, fees, and other levies across West Africa by January 1, 2026.

The move, which is expected to reduce regional air travel cost by about 40 per cent, deepen ECOWAS free movement of persons and boost economic integration, has, however, remained stalled six months after.

“Air transport plays a very important and integral part of the whole essence of ECOWAS free movement and trading,” Ballout said.

The ambassador said that he recently raised the issue during the presentation of his Letter of Credence to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray.

Ballout said although Touray had assured him that a follow-up meeting would hold to advance discussions on it alongside other pending issues, there was a need to accelerate the policy’s implementation.