Nigerian airline operators and aviation unions have disagreed over the collection and remittance of the 5% Ticket Sales Charge as stakeholders debate revenue demands and sustainable aviation growth.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has directed aviation agencies and airlines to agree realistic repayment schedules for outstanding obligations within one week following an emergency stakeholders’ meeting.
Nigeria’s aviation debt dispute enters a new phase as domestic airlines begin repaying outstanding 5% Ticket Sales Charge debts under an instalment agreement with the NCAA, following intervention that eased tensions with aviation unions.
Flight operations have been disrupted at Lagos and Abuja airports as aviation unions picket domestic airlines over alleged non-remittance of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and workers’ unionisation rights.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has appealed to the National Assembly to restore its 65% share of Ticket Sales Charge revenue, warning that continued funding cuts are leading to the loss of technical inspectors and could weaken Nigeria's aviation safety oversight.
