NCAA secures refunds for passengers after Overland Airways VAT charge mix-up resolved
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a resolution to a dispute with Overland Airways over erroneous Value Added Tax (VAT) charges on pre-2026 tickets, with the airline committing to full refunds for affected passengers.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at NCAA, confirmed on X that the airline’s compliance following clarification from the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).
“Tickets purchased before January 1, 2026 were not affected by the new tax laws. This means that passengers who were made to pay VAT before check in 2026 for tickets purchased since 2025, were not supposed to have been charged,” Achimugu stated.
He praised Overland’s response, “Overland Airways, a responsible, law-abiding entity, therefore, has committed to redress the situation by initiating a refund for affected passengers.”
Achimugu also noted the airline’s initial reasoning for the charges, adding, “The onus was on the NRS to clarify, which they have now done.”
The issue stemmed from passenger complaints prompting NCAA to summon Overland in January, issuing a 10-day directive for clarification.
NRS confirmed no VAT applies to tickets bought before 2026, wrapping up the matter within a month.
“This issue has now been brought to a satisfactory conclusion, and Overland Airways has shown transparency, cooperation, and responsibility,” Achimugu said, extending thanks to NCAA leadership including DGCA Capt. Chris Najomo and directors Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, Mary Tufano-Eche, and Ifueko Abdulmalik.
“The NCAA remains committed to protecting the rights of all stakeholders,” Achimugu affirmed.
