The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has raised fresh concerns over inadequate funding, warning that persistent financial constraints could undermine the safety and efficiency of Nigeria’s airspace if urgent action is not taken.
NAMA, which is responsible for providing and maintaining navigational aids critical to safe aircraft take-off, en-route movement and landing, says many of its facilities are overdue for replacement. Despite this, the agency continues to ensure seamless navigation for both domestic and international airlines, largely due to the expertise and ingenuity of its technical professionals, often described as the unsung heroes of the aviation system.
However, stakeholders argue that sustaining this level of safety has become increasingly difficult. They point to the Federal Government’s continued deduction of 50 per cent of aviation agencies’ internally generated revenue at source, describing the policy as retrogressive and capable of destabilising the entire system.
Industry operators have also renewed calls for an upward review of NAMA’s navigational charges, which were last adjusted in 2008. With Nigeria’s economic realities having changed significantly over the past 18 years, stakeholders say the existing tariffs are no longer sustainable. Although a new review was expected to take effect from September 1, 2024, concerns remain over resistance from some quarters.
President of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers, Engr. Selzing Miri, said NAMA’s financial challenges pose a direct risk to aviation safety. According to him, critical facilities require constant upgrading, maintenance and replacement, all of which demand adequate funding. He stressed that the 50 per cent revenue deduction remains one of the agency’s biggest obstacles.
Miri also defended proposed adjustments to En-route Navigational Charges (ENC) and Terminal Navigational Charges (TNC), noting that both charges have remained static for over a decade, while airlines have continued operations profitably. Available figures indicate that the en-route charge unit rate could rise to N18,000 from N2,000 per flight, while terminal navigation charges for domestic flights may increase to N54,000 from N6,000 per flight.
Another contentious area is the review of extension-of-hours charges, proposed to increase from N50,000 to N450,000 per hour, to help NAMA recover costs associated with diesel, logistics and staff deployment. Stakeholders argue that airlines have repeatedly increased ticket prices over the years, making it unreasonable to oppose similar adjustments by a safety-critical agency operating under the same economic pressures.
President of the National Association of Cabin and Passenger Services (NACAN), Alhaji Mohammed Sani, said NAMA urgently needs improved revenue to maintain infrastructure, train staff and meet salary obligations. He cited 2023 figures showing over N21 billion spent on personnel costs, more than N12 billion on capital expenditure and over N10 billion on overheads, noting that the agency receives no direct federal allocation.
Stakeholders also referenced International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) policies, which support cost recovery for air navigation services to cover equipment, training, maintenance and operational costs. According to ICAO guidelines, charges should reflect the full cost of providing services, including depreciation, capital costs and administration.
Similarly, President of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Comrade John Ogbe, said navigational charges that have remained unchanged for over 15 years can no longer sustain NAMA in today’s economy. He warned that inadequate funding of navigation services could raise serious safety concerns.
Dr Ibrahim Audu, President of the Aeronautical Information Management Association of Nigeria, added that charging 18-year-old rates is inconsistent with the modern and sophisticated equipment NAMA now deploys. He noted that operational costs, particularly diesel prices, have risen sharply over the years and called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene to save the agency.
As calls grow louder, stakeholders insist that a fair review of charges and reconsideration of revenue deductions are essential to safeguard Nigeria’s airspace, strengthen air traffic management and ensure continued safe and reliable service delivery.
