Lawmakers and unions clash over aviation funding changes
Fresh divisions have surfaced among Nigeria’s aviation unions regarding the proposed changes to the sharing formula for the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge. The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency is pushing for a greater share, while the NCAA and its union strongly oppose the move. The House of Representatives has shown support for reforms to strengthen aviation funding and align laws with global best practices. Key union chapters argue that altering the formula could undermine aviation safety and regulatory oversight.
TLDR
- The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is seeking a 56% share of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge, facing opposition from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and its union.
- The House of Representatives has backed NAMA’s call for reforms, aiming to revise the sharing formula, automate remittances, and strengthen aviation sector financing.
- The NCAA chapter of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers publicly distanced itself from national leadership’s support for changing the formula, citing lack of consultation.
- Unions warn that reducing NCAA’s allocation could weaken safety oversight, delay certifications, and harm compliance with international standards.
- NAMA argues that increased funding is necessary due to rising operational costs and outdated infrastructure, and has proposed new revenue-sharing models for technical services.
