Nigeria’s aviation industry is facing the threat of another major disruption as airline operators, regulators, and labour unions remain locked in a dispute over the remittance of the 5% Ticket Sales Charge (TSC), with outstanding collections estimated at about ₦12 billion. Aviation unions have threatened industrial action against airlines accused of failing to remit the statutory levy collected from passengers.

The Ticket Sales Charge is a mandatory levy paid by passengers whenever they purchase airline tickets. Airlines collect the charge on behalf of the government before remitting it to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for distribution among aviation agencies. The revenue supports critical aviation services, including safety regulation, air navigation, accident investigation, weather forecasting, and aviation training.

Under the Civil Aviation Act 2022, failure to remit the Ticket Sales Charge is a criminal offence. However, despite the legal requirement, regulators estimate that outstanding remittances have accumulated to roughly ₦12 billion, raising concerns about the funding of aviation agencies responsible for maintaining safety and operational standards.

Earlier this year, the NCAA introduced Advance Payment Guarantees (APGs) to improve compliance by requiring airlines to provide bank-backed guarantees for future remittances. Although the regulator initially granted operators a 90-day grace period to settle outstanding obligations, enforcement was later suspended following consultations over the financial difficulties facing domestic airlines, including rising aviation fuel costs.

The dispute has since escalated after the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) threatened to picket airlines they accuse of withholding statutory funds. The unions argue that delayed remittances are depriving aviation agencies of resources needed to sustain safe flight operations and have warned they could ground defaulting airlines if the matter remains unresolved.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has rejected the allegations, insisting its members are not indebted to the unions and that discussions on the matter are already ongoing with the NCAA. The association also questioned whether airlines should continue acting as collection agents for government levies when digital payment systems could allow passengers to pay statutory charges directly to regulators.

Industry experts have urged the Federal Government to intervene before the dispute results in flight disruptions. They argue that while aviation agencies require sustainable funding to perform their statutory responsibilities, airlines are also grappling with high operating costs, exchange rate pressures, and rising fuel prices. Analysts believe a long-term solution may involve modernising the collection process through direct digital payments while preserving adequate funding for aviation oversight and safety.

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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned air travellers to prepare for possible flight delays and cancellations as the rainy season sets in, citing adverse weather conditions that could disrupt airline operations nationwide.

Speaking with aviation journalists in Lagos, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mike Achimugu, said although flight disruptions had declined compared to the last quarter of 2025, seasonal weather patterns may reverse recent gains.

He cautioned that while the industry has recorded improved operational stability in recent months, the onset of heavy rains traditionally poses significant challenges to flight schedules, including delays and cancellations.

Despite the concerns, Achimugu expressed optimism about the sector’s outlook in 2026, noting that the expected arrival of newly acquired aircraft by domestic airlines could strengthen capacity and improve service reliability.

He also referenced outcomes from the Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit (NAAIS), convened by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, where local carriers secured agreements aimed at expanding their fleets.

On the lingering controversy over airfare increases during the Yuletide season, Achimugu disclosed that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has yet to submit its findings to the NCAA.

He maintained his earlier position that the surge in ticket prices during the festive period could not be solely attributed to government-imposed taxes, contrary to claims by some airlines.

Achimugu also highlighted ongoing communication gaps between airlines and passengers, stressing that inadequate information sharing often fuels frustration among travellers during disruptions.

According to him, airlines must improve transparency and provide timely updates to passengers, particularly during operational challenges caused by weather or technical issues.

He added that more passengers are now utilising the NCAA’s complaint portal to seek redress, although some still face difficulties navigating the platform. To address this, the regulator continues to provide alternative channels, including email and social media platforms, to handle consumer complaints.

The NCAA reiterated its commitment to supporting airlines through public awareness campaigns but emphasised that operators must take greater responsibility for customer engagement and service delivery.

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Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation industry are sharply divided following allegations by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) that some domestic airlines engaged in price fixing during the last festive season.

The controversy stems from an FCCPC investigation which reportedly indicted five unnamed carriers, triggering widespread debate across the sector.

Airlines reject allegations

Airlines operating under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have dismissed the findings, arguing that the Commission lacks the technical expertise to interpret airline pricing structures.

They warned that such conclusions could threaten the sustainability of domestic carriers already grappling with rising operational costs.

Experts back FCCPC authority

However, aviation analyst Chris Aligbe defended the Commission, insisting it acted within its legal mandate to check anti-competitive practices.

According to him, while the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) oversees safety and technical operations, the FCCPC has broader authority on competition and consumer protection.

Aligbe argued that the sharp increase in airfares during the festive period raised valid concerns, noting that regulatory intervention is necessary to prevent passenger exploitation.

He also accused some airlines of limiting early ticket availability to create artificial demand, thereby driving up prices.

Operators cite rising costs

On the other hand, retired pilot Muhammed Badamosi defended airline operators, stating that pricing decisions are driven by prevailing economic realities.

He noted that increasing costs—such as fuel, maintenance and logistics—justify fare adjustments, adding that airlines must remain financially viable.

According to him, while fare increases should be reasonable, operators retain the right to run their businesses without undue interference.

Call for regulatory clarity

A retired Group Captain, John Ojukutu, questioned whether the FCCPC has sufficient authority to regulate airline pricing without deeper collaboration with the NCAA.

He explained that airfare structures are guided by aviation regulations and require detailed knowledge of operational costs, including Jet A1 fuel prices and ground handling charges.

Ojukutu maintained that without access to such data, the Commission may struggle to accurately assess whether airlines engaged in price fixing.

Implications for the aviation sector

The ongoing dispute highlights a broader regulatory tension between consumer protection and industry sustainability in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

While the FCCPC aims to curb anti-competitive practices and protect passengers, airline operators insist that market realities must guide pricing decisions.

Analysts say resolving the issue will require clearer regulatory coordination and greater transparency in airline cost structures to balance consumer interests with industry viability.

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……Competition Drives Affordable Travel Options for Nigerians

The inauguration of United Nigeria Airlines’ (UNA) direct flights on the Abuja–Accra and Lagos–Accra routes has led to a dramatic 50 percent drop in airfares on the Abuja–Accra corridor, the airline’s chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, announced.

Speaking at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport during the first Abuja–Accra flight, Prof. Okonkwo said the fare reduction by the only existing direct airline operator on the route benefits Nigerians directly by increasing travel affordability. He added that the new service is boosting competition, expanding passenger choice, and positively contributing to the nation’s economy.

Prof. Okonkwo also highlighted the safety standards of Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that the country’s airlines operate under rigorous regulatory oversight. He explained that pilots and cockpit crews undergo proficiency certification every six months, a more frequent schedule than in many other countries, and emphasized that Nigerian carriers such as Air Peace and UNA hold the internationally recognized IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification.

“When you fly with a Nigerian airline, you can be confident that all measures for safety have been strictly followed,” he said.

Representing the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Director of Special Duties, Horatius Egua, reiterated the regulator’s commitment to supporting local carriers. He urged Nigerians to patronize domestic airlines, stressing that a stronger local aviation industry would expand economic opportunities and reduce unemployment.

“We encourage all Nigerians to support indigenous airlines. United Nigeria Airlines is breaking new ground, and we will continue to ensure that safety and compliance standards are fully met across the sector,” Egua said.

The launch of UNA’s Abuja–Accra and Lagos–Accra flights marks a significant step in enhancing connectivity between Nigeria and Ghana while providing more competitive options for travelers.

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The Lagos State Government has acquired a 4,000-hectare site for the proposed Ibeju-Lekki International Airport, marking a major milestone toward the long-awaited project. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has pledged full regulatory support, stressing strict compliance with global aviation standards.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the land acquisition during a meeting with NCAA officials in Lagos, noting that the airport aligns with the state’s 2007 Master Plan, which identified the need for a second airport to meet growing population, industrial, and air traffic demands.

Sanwo-Olu said the new facility would complement key projects such as the Lekki Free Zone, Dangote Refinery, and Lekki Deep Sea Port, describing it as “a strategic investment in Lagos’ long-term mobility and logistics framework.”

NCAA Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo confirmed federal approval but emphasised that the state must meet all statutory aviation procedures, including filing a declaration of intent at least 180 days before construction. He assured stakeholders of continued collaboration to ensure the project meets international safety and operational standards.

Industry experts say the airport will ease congestion at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, boost investment and tourism, and strengthen Lagos’ role as West Africa’s commercial hub.

With land secured and federal support in place, the Ibeju-Lekki Airport project is now set to advance into its next phase regulatory clearance and design implementation.

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In a statement signed by Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s director of consumer protection and public affairs, the agency said this practice is causing distress to passengers and damaging Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The NCAA emphasized that airlines are responsible for ensuring passengers meet entry requirements before departure. Effective immediately, violators will face fines, flight suspensions, or other penalties.

Airlines must now provide accurate visa and travel information before issuing tickets.

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The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned Kenya Airways following a viral social media video showing a heated exchange between a Nigerian passenger and airline staff at the transfer desk in Nairobi, Kenya.

The controversy erupted after the airline accused the passenger, identified as Gloria Omisore, of inappropriate behavior, claiming she threw used sanitary pads at employees. However, Omisore alleged she was subjected to inhumane treatment and denied proper care despite a 17-hour layover.

In the video, Omisore was heard demanding basic necessities, including sanitary products and accommodation. “You will provide a sanitary towel. I want a hotel, I need sanitary towel. You will give me food tonight. Very wicked set of people. 17 hours layover. I have blood clot issues,” she lamented.

A Kenya Airways staff member, in response, was seen telling her: “You can never enter our aircraft again. What kind of mannerism is this? Call your president. We will give you nothing.”

Reacting to the incident, the NCAA Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, condemned both the passenger’s actions and the airline’s handling of the situation. He stated, “There is no excuse for unruly passenger behavior, but the airline staff were unprofessional. The airline must bear responsibility for what has happened to this passenger. The NCAA refers Kenya Airways to Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 and has summoned the airline to its headquarters in Abuja today, Monday, February 3, 2025.”

Meanwhile, Kenya Airways issued a statement defending its stance, clarifying that Omisore was denied boarding due to a lack of a Schengen visa, which is required for entry into European Union countries. The airline claimed it offered her an alternative route via London, which she refused.

“Unhappy with this option, the guest demanded accommodation, which Kenya Airways does not provide in cases where boarding is denied due to visa requirements. In a distressing turn of events, the guest resorted to inappropriate behavior by removing and throwing three used sanitary pads at our employees,” the airline stated.

Kenya Airways emphasized that while it remains committed to customer service, it does not tolerate abuse of its employees. “The incident has been reported and is under investigation by the relevant security agencies,” it added.

The NCAA’s intervention aims to address concerns over passenger rights and airline accountability as the matter continues to spark debate.

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