By Chiemeka Ugwowo, Abuja
NCAA raises alarm over proposed funding cut, warns of impact on aviation safety
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned that a proposed reduction in its share of the Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) could undermine aviation safety oversight and affect the country’s ability to sustain its safety standards.
The NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said any cut in the agency’s funding would limit its capacity to carry out critical regulatory functions, including training aviation inspectors, enforcing safety regulations and monitoring compliance across the sector.
Achimugu explained that the NCAA operates as a cost-recovery agency and requires adequate financial resources to effectively perform its mandate, stressing that the regulator needs increased funding rather than reductions.
He maintained that agencies with independent revenue frameworks should be allowed to utilise their statutory funding sources to carry out their responsibilities efficiently.
The NCAA spokesman also revealed that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is currently holding consultations with stakeholders to resolve the dispute surrounding the revenue-sharing arrangement.
Meanwhile, Achimugu dismissed claims that the NCAA owes the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), stating that all statutory payments and remittances are handled directly through the Central Bank of Nigeria.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring safe, efficient and sustainable aviation operations in Nigeria.
