Air Peace has debunked reports claiming that the company, its Chairman, Allen Onyema, and Vice Chairman, Mrs. Alice Ojochide Onyema, are being sued by the Lagos State Government over tax evasion.
In a statement released on Monday, March 23, Air Peace said neither the Onyemas nor the company has been served with any court summons or officially notified about such a suit.
“We wish to state unequivocally that neither the Onyemas nor Air Peace has been served with any court summons or official notification regarding the purported suit,” the airline stated.
Air Peace described as “surprising and shocking” the claims that legal proceedings have been ongoing since February, even when there was no service of summons or formal communication to the parties involved, and questioned the validity of the reports.
Some media reports had claimed that Air Peace, its chairman and vice chairman are facing a legal tussle over an alleged ₦94 million tax bill.
The airline maintained that all corporate and personal tax obligations have been fully met and are up to date in accordance with Nigerian law.
“We maintain that all personal and corporate tax obligations have been duly met and remain up to date, in full compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.”
Openness to Dialogue
While denying the suit, the airline expressed a willingness to engage with the Lagos State Government to reconcile any potential discrepancies in tax computations if they exist.
The company further stated that over the years, Air Peace, its chairman and vice chairman have remained committed to the advancement of Nigeria’s aviation sector, while consistently “demonstrating integrity, resilience, and patriotism.”
“We remain committed to the highest standards of professionalism and will not be distracted from serving the flying public,” the largest carrier in Sub-Saharan Africa further stated.
Industry Tension
Pinnacle Daily understands that this development follows recent public discourse where Air Peace chairman, Allen Onyema, expressed concerns about the “unsustainable” tax regime and multiple levies facing Nigerian carriers.
Onyema highlighted the “choking” effect of multiple taxation on Nigerian airlines, especially as the new tax reform laws began taking effect in January 2026.
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He argued that the current fiscal regime treats the aviation sector as a “revenue generator” for the state rather than a strategic enabler of economic growth, which contradicts International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines.
In a media interview, prior to the commencement of implementation of the new tax laws, he warned that a new wave of taxes and levies could see domestic ticket prices soar above ₦1 million and force airlines out of business.
He said that for a domestic ticket priced at approximately ₦350,000, the airline reportedly retains only about ₦81,000. The remaining ₦269,000 is consumed by various government agencies, regulatory fees, and taxes.
He hinted at possible double taxation with the reintroduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) and customs duties. While the 2020 Finance Act provided relief by removing VAT on ticket fares and imported aircraft parts, the new tax provisions reverse it.
He called for review of the tax laws.
Despite these industry-wide critiques, the airline emphasized its commitment to patriotism and the advancement of the aviation sector.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X
