THE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has suspended its earlier “no pay, no service” directive issued against domestic airlines over unpaid statutory charges.
According to an internal memo dated May 22, 2026, the dispute centres on the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and Cargo Sales Charge collected by airlines on behalf of the aviation regulator.
The funds are used to support safety oversight, staff training, and economic regulation within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The memo had instructed all NCAA directorates to withhold services from affected airlines until they obtained financial clearance from the agency’s Directorate of Finance and Accounts.
The move raised concerns among airline operators and passengers over possible disruptions to flight operations and regulatory services.
The Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, said the authority understands the economic challenges facing airline operators but stressed that the agency must also protect its financial stability.
He warned that delays or failure to remit the statutory charges could affect the regulator’s ability to maintain effective safety oversight, risk-based surveillance, and compliance with international aviation standards.
The memo stated that no NCAA directorate was expected to provide services to any affected airline without prior financial approval from the finance department.
The temporary suspension of the directive is expected to ease concerns within the aviation sector while discussions between the regulator and airline operators continue.
