The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority issued a refund directive to Overland Airways on Saturday, February 28, 2026, ordering the airline to reimburse passengers who were wrongly charged Value Added Tax on tickets purchased before the tax regime came into force on January 1, 2026.
Regulators confirmed that travellers who bought flight tickets in 2025 should not have been subjected to additional VAT charges at check-in after the new rules became effective in 2026.
The directive followed clarification from the Nigeria Revenue Service regarding the proper application of the tax policy.
Some passengers had complained after being asked to pay VAT at airport counters despite purchasing tickets months earlier.
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The unexpected charges triggered regulatory engagement and subsequent clarification. Overland Airways has committed to refund affected customers.
The aviation authority stated that the airline initially applied the VAT requirement based on its interpretation of the fiscal policy but later agreed to correct the situation.
Passengers who paid additional VAT on tickets bought before January 1, 2026 are advised to contact the airline with proof of payment to process their reimbursement.
Regulators reiterated that the clarification ensures proper implementation of the tax rules and protection of consumer rights.