The Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) have confirmed a reduction in the price of aviation fuel, following the commencement of operations at the Dangote Refinery.

This breakthrough came after AON met with the Dangote Group’s management to address the bottlenecks that had been driving up the cost of the essential commodity, subsequently causing a spike in airfares.

For over a year, the end of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy regime had seen petroleum product prices soar, with aviation fuel reaching a critical high of N1,300 per litre by February.

Airline operators voiced their concerns, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention to prevent operational collapse.

The situation was exacerbated by fluctuating forex rates and the escalating cost of aviation fuel, which disrupted operational planning and stability within the sector.

However, in a move aimed at alleviating these challenges, Dangote announced a reduction in the prices of diesel and aviation fuel in April.

According to Dangote, the price of aviation fuel was cut to N940 per litre for customers purchasing five million litres and above, and to N970 per litre for those buying one million litres and above.

Anthony Chiejina, the Head of Communication at Dangote, emphasized the company’s commitment to easing economic hardship on Nigerians.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery has entered a strategic partnership with MRS Oil and Gas stations to ensure that consumers can buy fuel at affordable prices, whether in Lagos or Maiduguri. You can now purchase one litre of diesel at N1,050 and aviation fuel at N980 at all major airports where MRS operates,” he said.

This partnership is expected to expand to other major oil marketers, ensuring that retail buyers do not face exorbitant prices.

Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, spokesperson for AON, confirmed the price reduction, acknowledging the positive impact of their discussions with the Dangote management team.

“We understand that prices fluctuate due to the naira-to-dollar exchange rate and coal value. However, we have noticed a reduction compared to when we were buying from other marketers,” he said.

Despite this optimism, there remains some dissent within the industry. Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, stated he was unaware of any price reduction, maintaining that his airline continued to purchase aviation fuel at prices ranging between N1,000 and N1,200.

“I am not aware of any reduction in our fuel prices. We still buy between N1,000 and N1,200. Please, quote them and quote me that I am not aware of any price reduction,” he asserted.

Nevertheless, the general sentiment within the aviation sector is one of cautious optimism. The recent collaboration between Dangote and AON represents a promising step toward stabilizing fuel prices and, by extension, airfares in Nigeria.

As the partnership develops and more oil marketers join the initiative, the industry hopes for sustained relief from the high costs that have plagued it for the past year.

In response to mounting complaints from the public regarding the pervasive issue of begging and extortion at Nigeria’s international airports, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has pledged swift action to address the problem.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Keyamo acknowledged the widespread concern and clarified that while the agencies involved in these practices are stationed at airports, they do not fall under the direct control of the Ministry of Aviation.

Nevertheless, he assured the public that collaborative efforts with other ministries, government arms, and agencies responsible for airport security are underway to find a lasting solution.

“We are all working under the coordination of the National Security Adviser,” Keyamo stated, underscoring a recent meeting convened to address the issue comprehensively.

He expressed optimism that practical steps will soon be unveiled to curb what he described as an “ugly tide” affecting airport operations.

The minister extended gratitude to Nigerians for their vigilance and assured them of ongoing efforts to rectify the situation.

He said it is important to restore the integrity of Nigeria’s international airports, crucial gateways that leave lasting impressions on visitors and travelers alike.

Keyamo’s proactive stance comes amid growing public outcry over reported instances of harassment and exploitation by unauthorized individuals within airport premises.

The initiative reflects a broader commitment to enhancing security and efficiency across Nigeria’s aviation sector, aligning with efforts to promote transparency and accountability in public service.

As the government gears up to implement new measures, including enhanced oversight and enforcement protocols, stakeholders are hopeful that these initiatives will bring about tangible improvements in airport operations, ensuring a safer and more welcoming experience for all travelers.

Starting Tuesday, African nationals seeking entry to the European Union will face increased visa fees as the EU raises the cost of Schengen visa applications from €80 to €90.

This 12.5% hike announced by the EU Commission adds to the financial burden for many applicants, particularly from African countries that already face high rejection rates and significant expenses.

According to recent Schengen visa statistics, African nationals received 704,000 negative responses to their visa applications in 2023.

This high rate of rejections resulted in approximately €56.3 million spent on non-refundable visa fees.

The report highlights that these expenses, referred to as ‘reverse remittances,’ represent a substantial financial outflow from African countries to the EU, benefiting no one but the recipient nations.

The impact of these costs is disproportionately felt by African applicants, who accounted for 43.1% of the total amount generated by rejected applications in 2023.

Among the hardest-hit were nationals from Algeria and Morocco. Algerians, who filed the second-highest number of applications, saw 42.3% of their 289,000 requests denied.

Moroccan nationals faced an even higher rejection rate, with 62% of their 437,000 applications being turned down, leading to €10.9 million spent on unsuccessful visa bids.

Overall, the EU earned €3.4 million from rejected Schengen visa applications submitted by Nigerian citizens alone, illustrating the significant financial burden placed on individual applicants.

The high rejection rates for African and Asian countries, which together bear 90% of all visa-related expenses, exacerbate the economic challenges faced by applicants from these regions.

The recent study by EU Observer underscores the growing trend of increased expenses and rejection rates.

Schengen visa rejections generated €130 million in 2023, up from €105 million the previous year, indicating a rise in both visa costs and the financial impact on applicants.

Marta Foresti, founder of the LAGO Collective, commented on the broader implications of these financial dynamics.

“Visa inequality has very tangible consequences and the world’s poorest pay the price. You can think of the costs of rejected visas as ‘reverse remittances’, money flowing from poor to rich countries. We never hear about these costs when discussing aid or migration; it is time to change that,” she said.

As the EU implements the new visa fee structure, the financial strain on African nationals is set to intensify. With some of the lowest wages globally, many Africans will find the increased costs even more challenging to bear.