The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Chapter, says reducing financial allocation to the regulator can weaken aviation safety oversight. 

NAAPE made this known on Tuesday in Lagos in reaction to the proposed amendment to the revenue sharing formula of the aviation sector’s five per cent ticket sales charge (TSC). 

The association expressed the view in a position paper signed by its chairman and secretary, Diepreye Saburugha and Celestine Chukwu.

The association said a bill before the National Assembly sought to reduce the NCAA’s share of the TSC from 56 per cent to 40 per cent.

It also said the bill proposed increased allocation to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) from 22 per cent to 40 per cent.

NAAPE said the proposal was beyond routine redistribution of revenue among aviation agencies.

It described the proposal as a decision with far-reaching implications on aviation safety, regulatory independence and Nigeria’s reputation. 

According to the association, the NCAA occupies a unique position as the country’s primary aviation safety regulator, which is responsible for certifying airlines and inspecting aircraft. 

NAAPE also noted that the NCAA was responsible for approving maintenance organisations, overseeing flight operations, licensing personnel, certifying aerodromes and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations.

 “The issue is not merely about revenue allocation. It is fundamentally about preserving the financial autonomy of the institution responsible for protecting the lives of millions of air travellers,” it said.

NAAPE recalled that Nigeria’s aviation regulatory system was strengthened following a series of fatal air accidents, which prompted reforms in aviation oversight.

It said those reforms recognised that effective safety regulation would require sustained investment in inspector training, surveillance programmes, certification activities and enforcement of safety standards.

The association argued that records showed that the TSC was originally created to provide the NCAA with a stable and independent source of funding.

NAAPE said the reduction of the NCAA’s allocation would undermine the philosophy upon which the country’s aviation safety oversight system was established.

The association also identified persistent failure of some airlines to remit the TSC as a major contributor to funding challenges across the aviation sector. 

NAAPE urged the federal government to recover outstanding debts from defaulting operators and strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure prompt remittance of statutory charges instead of altering the sharing formula. 

According to the association, such measures would improve the financial position of all beneficiaries without weakening the country’s primary safety regulator.

 NAAPE said the NCAA was already operating under significant financial pressure, alleging that limited funds had affected its inspection and surveillance activities.

The association also alleged that limited funds had delayed payment of inspectors’ allowances and contributed to loss of experienced technical personnel to better-paying organisations.

It also expressed concern that the authority had yet to implement an approved review of its conditions of service due to funds constraints.

The association urged lawmakers not make the amendment. 

(NAN)