The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) chapter of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE) has warned that any reduction in the Authority’s share of the Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) could undermine aviation safety oversight and weaken regulatory effectiveness nationwide.
In an official communiqué, the association distanced itself from recent media reports attributed to the NAAE national president that supported a review of the TSC sharing formula. The NCAA chapter stated that the position expressed by the national leadership did not represent its views, stressing that it was neither consulted nor carried along before the publication was made.
“As a national association with members spread across various aviation agencies, it is expected that matters of such national importance receive broad consultation before any public position is adopted,” the communiqué stated.
Essential role of statutory funding in regulatory oversight
The association noted that the Ticket Sales Charge is a statutory levy collected from airline passengers and shared among aviation agencies to enable them to discharge their respective mandates. It added that the existing formula reflects the complementary roles each agency plays in maintaining a safe, secure, and efficient aviation system.
According to the chapter, the NCAA depends substantially on its allocation from the TSC because, unlike service providers, it does not operate airports, provide air navigation services, or generate significant commercial revenue. It explained that these funds support critical regulatory responsibilities, including the certification and licensing of airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, maintenance organisations, and aviation training institutions.
Furthermore, the allocation finances safety inspections, economic regulation, consumer protection, and the enforcement of aviation regulations. It also funds inspector training, the procurement of specialised oversight equipment, information technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, laboratory services, and statutory financial obligations to global bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), and the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation.
Strategic threats to safety compliance and audit performance
The chapter cautioned that any significant reduction in the NCAA’s TSC allocation could lead to fewer safety inspections, delayed certification processes, and reduced capacity for training and equipment procurement. It warned that a diminished allocation would result in weaker compliance with ICAO standards and reduced oversight across airlines, airports, and navigation service providers.
The association highlighted that such a deficit could increase the risk of adverse findings during ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme assessments, erode international confidence in Nigeria’s aviation safety framework, and damage the country’s overall compliance status.
“A strong regulator remains the foundation of every safe aviation system,” the statement read. “Effective regulation provides oversight over every operator, every airport, every air navigation service provider, and every aviation organisation. Weakening the regulator through reduced funding ultimately weakens the entire aviation industry.”
Call for constructive dialogue and sustainable funding solutions
While acknowledging the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency’s funding needs for communications, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management infrastructure, the chapter argued that strengthening one aviation agency should not come at the expense of another.
Rather than viewing the issue as a competition among agencies, the association called on stakeholders to pursue sustainable funding solutions capable of supporting all aviation institutions without compromising their statutory responsibilities.
The chapter urged the national leadership of the NAAE and other industry stakeholders to embrace wider consultation, constructive dialogue, and evidence-based engagement before adopting public positions on national aviation policy. It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting aviation safety, regulatory excellence, and institutional cooperation in the overall interest of Nigeria’s aviation industry.