The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has formally requested the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation to reinstate its 65 per cent portion of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and Cargo Sales Charge (CSC). Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, cautioned that diminishing this funding could compromise the nation’s aviation safety oversight and hinder adherence to international regulations.
During a public hearing in Abuja, Najomo emphasized that while other agencies like the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) require funding, they should prioritize operational efficiency and commercial growth rather than encroaching on the regulator’s budget. He highlighted that 80 per cent of NCAA’s income stems from the TSC, whereas NAMA possesses numerous other revenue streams, including overflight charges and aeronautical fees.
Najomo argued that the original 1999 funding model must be restored to rectify shortcomings identified by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Despite Nigeria achieving a 91.3 per cent score in recent ICAO audits, the country only reached 50 per cent in financial resource allocation for safety oversight. The agency head maintained that an independent, well-funded regulator is essential for maintaining safety standards and fulfilling global obligations.
