NCAA Warns Revenue Cuts Threaten Aviation Safety Standards

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) issued a warning regarding proposed legislation that would reduce its statutory revenue from ticket sales, favoring the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). Michael Achimugu, NCAA's Director of Public Affairs, stated that this move could compromise aviation safety and weaken the agency's capacity to carry out regulatory oversight.

He highlighted that NCAA currently collects five percent of the ticket sales charge (TSC) to fund its operations, which are crucial for maintaining safety standards. Achimugu expressed concern that reducing NCAA's financial capacity would hinder its ability to meet regulatory requirements, potentially endangering public safety.

He called on stakeholders to consider the implications of such financial cuts, stressing that adequate funding is essential for aviation regulation worldwide. Achimugu also noted that the federal government already deducts funds from NCAA, and any further revenue cuts would be detrimental to the agency's operations.

The discussion on this issue was part of ongoing dialogues in the aviation sector, with Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, involved in addressing these concerns.