Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema Claims Nigerians Pay World’s Cheapest Domestic Fares in Dollars Amid Operational Challenges

Date of Report: December 28, 2025

Overview: In a recent interview with ARISE News, Air Peace Chairman and CEO Allen Onyema addressed the airline’s operational hurdles while asserting that Nigerians enjoy some of the world’s cheapest domestic airfares when converted to dollars. The discussion, published on ARISE.tv, highlighted issues like bird strikes, ground handling mishaps, and excessive taxation, but Onyema emphasized Air Peace’s commitment to affordability despite these setbacks. This report quotes key excerpts from the interview, providing context on Nigeria’s aviation sector amid rising costs and calls for reform. Onyema’s claims come as the industry grapples with fuel prices and infrastructure woes, yet he positions local carriers as global bargains for passengers.

One-On-One With Airpeace MC/CEO, Allen Onyema

Interview Context

The interview focused on Air Peace’s experiences with 49 bird strikes in Nigeria from January to September 2025, which have caused significant disruptions and costs. Onyema refuted accusations from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) of exploitative price-fixing, arguing that fares are dynamic and influenced by demand, advance bookings, and peak periods. He broke down ticket costs to show that airlines retain only a fraction after taxes and levies, calling for a reduction in multiple taxation to sustain operations.

Onyema stressed that despite these challenges, Nigerian domestic flights remain exceptionally affordable on a global scale, using current fares as evidence.

Key Quotes from Allen Onyema

• On low fares: “We still have tickets for as low as 115,000 Naira, which is less than $60.”
• On global comparison: “Nigerians are flying the cheapest fares in the world domestically. We are running one of the cheapest airfares anywhere.”

These statements were made in the context of defending variable pricing, noting that tickets can range from 150,000 Naira or less during off-peak times, and urging consumers to book early for savings.

Broader Implications

Onyema’s claims highlight a paradox in Nigeria’s aviation: low passenger costs amid high operational burdens. He advocated for reforms like allowing airlines to self-handle ground operations for safety and efficiency, and criticized poor practices by handlers that damage aircraft. With Air Peace committed to affordability, the interview calls for government intervention to support indigenous carriers.

CivicWire.ng will monitor developments in Nigeria’s aviation sector.