Stakeholders Debate NAMA's Share of Aviation Levies

The sharing formula for the Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) in Nigeria's aviation sector has sparked controversy among stakeholders. There is a division on whether to allocate a larger share to safety agencies like the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) or to first conduct an independent assessment of their funding needs.

Former Group Captain at Murtala Muhammed Airport, John Ojikutu (rtd.), argues that NAMA requires a larger share of the TSC due to its critical role in providing air traffic and navigational services essential for flight safety. Ojikutu emphasizes that NAMA manages Nigeria's territorial airspace and ensures safe aircraft separation, supported by sophisticated equipment and over 3,000 personnel, including air traffic controllers and engineers.

He stresses the importance of regular maintenance and training for personnel and equipment, noting that some equipment requires maintenance every six months to a year. The ongoing debate reflects concerns about the efficiency of funding and the operational capabilities of NAMA.