The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has temporarily suspended enforcement of its “no pay, no service” directive against 11 domestic airlines over unpaid statutory remittances owed to the regulator.
The suspension was announced in a statement signed by Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General of Civil Aviation, following an earlier internal directive that had placed defaulting operators on a compliance list and threatened withdrawal of regulatory and administrative services.
The NCAA said the enforcement action was originally introduced to improve compliance with statutory remittances collected by airlines on behalf of aviation agencies and to ensure settlement of outstanding debts or structured repayment plans.
According to the Authority, the decision to suspend enforcement followed extensive consultations within the aviation sector and a review of current operating conditions, including the rising cost of aviation fuel and its impact on airline sustainability.
The regulator stressed that the suspension does not amount to a waiver, adding that all outstanding obligations remain valid and enforceable.
The statutory charges in question include the 5% Ticket Sales Charge and Cargo Sales Charge, which are collected by airlines on behalf of aviation authorities and used to support safety oversight, training, and economic regulation in the sector.
The controversy stems from an internal memo dated May 22, 2026, which directed NCAA directorates to suspend services to defaulting airlines and enforce strict compliance measures across its offices.
Airlines affected by the earlier directive include Air Peace Limited, Ibom Air Limited, Arik Air Limited, United Nigeria Airlines, Max Air Limited, Caverton Helicopters, Overland Airways, Rano Air, ValueJet, NG Eagle, and Umza Air.
The memo had ordered that no services be rendered to any listed airline without financial clearance from the Directorate of Finance and Accounts, a move that raised concerns about possible operational disruptions.
In April 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a 30% relief on statutory aviation fees to ease financial pressure on airlines amid rising jet fuel costs.
The relief applies to agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, alongside other sector charges.
Additionally, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority introduced indicative pricing for aviation fuel and a 30-day credit window for Jet A1 purchases as part of broader stabilisation measures.
The government said these interventions aim to improve liquidity in the aviation sector and reduce the risk of service disruptions.
