By our Reporter
In a bid to foster industrial harmony and operational stability, the apex aviation regulatory agency, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has suspended the previously communicated enforcement of the “no pay, no service” directive in respect of certain airlines with outstanding statutory remittances.
The NCAA made the disclosure in an official statement issued over the weekend, dated 24 May 2026, and signed by the Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo.
According to the Authority, the decision follows extensive consultations within the sector and a careful review of current operating realities, particularly the rising cost of aviation fuel and its impact on airline operators and overall industry stability.
The Authority, however, emphasised that “it is important to state clearly that this suspension does not represent a cancellation or forgiveness of outstanding statutory financial obligations, as such a decision is beyond the purview of the Authority.”
The Authority recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his magnanimity, had already approved a 30 per cent discount on such outstanding fees owed by domestic airlines to agencies, including the NCAA.
The Authority further warned that “all affected operators therefore remain fully responsible for the settlement of the statutory debts, and the NCAA will pursue structured engagements with the airlines individually to ensure recovery in a manner that supports both compliance and sector stability.”
“The temporary suspension of the measure is a calibrated step aimed at maintaining operational stability within the sector while continued engagement is pursued towards full settlement of outstanding obligations,” the statement added.
“NCAA’s decision is therefore predicated on maintaining a balance between regulatory enforcement and the need to ensure that the industry continues to function without avoidable disruptions while still upholding the principle that statutory charges already collected must be remitted for intended purpose,” the NCAA stated.
