Lomé, the capital of Togo, recently hosted a remote session of the Joint Committee on Infrastructure, Energy and Mines, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources of the ECOWAS Parliament. The session was held under the theme “Air transport as a means of integrating West African people: strategies for reducing air ticket costs”, and brought together parliamentarians and air transport experts for five days of discussions.
The meeting focused on addressing the high cost of air travel in the ECOWAS region, identified as a major barrier to regional mobility and integration. Contributing factors discussed included excessive taxation, high airport charges, limited competition, and the incomplete implementation of air liberalisation agreements such as the Yamoussoukro Declaration and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Participants examined several instruments adopted at the December 2024 ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State, including the Additional Act on regional charges policy, the introduction of a 25% reduction on selected fees, and measures for passenger compensation in the event of travel disruptions.
The objective of the Lomé meeting was to generate actionable recommendations for ECOWAS Member States and airlines aimed at reducing air ticket prices, removing mobility barriers, boosting regional tourism, and advancing economic integration across West Africa.
Parliamentarians further committed to advocating for reduced aviation taxes, lower fuel costs, and the full implementation of existing regional air transport agreements. The meeting marked a strategic step in promoting more affordable and accessible air travel within the region, laying the groundwork for improved connectivity and greater integration among West African nations.
