Tensions between Nigeria’s aviation agencies and airline operators intensified this Thursday during a House of Representatives Committee on Aviation public hearing. The session, focused on amending the Civil Aviation Act and the NAMA Act, highlighted significant disagreements regarding the allocation of the statutory five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC). Notably, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo did not attend the proceedings.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) requested a major increase in its portion of the levy, seeking to raise its share from 22 per cent to 56 per cent. Managing Director Farouk Ahmed Umar argued that the agency requires more funding to maintain critical infrastructure for air traffic and navigation. Conversely, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) pushed back against any reduction in its own funding. Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo asserted that the regulator needs at least 65 per cent of the TSC to satisfy international safety audit standards and maintain operational oversight.
The African Aviation and Aerospace University added a new dimension to the debate by requesting a 10 per cent allocation to support research and workforce development. Meanwhile, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) challenged the entire structure of the levy. Capt. Roland Iyayi characterized the current five per cent fee as an outdated burden that hurts struggling airlines. The operators suggested shifting to a unit-based charge and creating an Aviation Development Fund to ensure more transparent resource management.
Committee Chairman Rep. Abdullahi Idris Garba confirmed that the legislature intends to review these conflicting proposals to bolster industry safety and transparency. All submitted memoranda will be assessed before the committee finalizes its recommendations for the House.
