IFPD Ambassador Tosin Sanusi Speaks on Airfare Slash and Its Impact on Trade & Investment

The International Forum for Peace and Diplomacy (IFPD), a global diplomatic platform dedicated to promoting peace and effective dialogue among nations and institutions, has applauded the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its decision to reduce airfares across the West African sub-region.

ECOWAS announced that it will prohibit certain air ticket taxes in a bid to lower airfare costs at all airports within the region, effective from January 2026. The decision was reached at the bloc’s December 2024 Summit held in Abuja, where member states agreed to slash air transport taxes and security charges by 25 percent.

Reacting to the development, Ambassador Tosin Sanusi, IFPD Ambassador and Special Envoy on Trade and Investment to the ECOWAS Commission, described the move as a timely intervention that will significantly boost regional mobility and economic growth.

According to Ambassador Sanusi, the persistent rise in airfares across West African countries has, over the years, posed challenges to travelers, reduced regional trade, and slowed economic integration.

“This policy presents a major opportunity to enhance intra-African travel, strengthen trade relations, and promote economic growth across the sub-region,” he said.

Ambassador Sanusi also encouraged Africans at home and in the diaspora to leverage the initiative to explore new markets, build stronger cross-border partnerships, and deepen multilateral trade relationships. He noted that affordable air travel will play a critical role in advancing sub-regional economic integration and increasing participation among neighboring African countries.

He further revealed that the upcoming IFPD General Assembly scheduled for 2026 will serve as a strategic platform to engage executive members and partners, especially in light of the new ECOWAS air travel policy.

IFPD reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that foster regional integration, economic cooperation, and sustainable development across Africa.