The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has declared a firm stance against the increasing cases of airlines defaulting on their financial obligations, pledging to introduce more robust enforcement mechanisms aimed at ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements across the aviation industry.
This development was made known by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, during the 2025 Civil Aviation Cost Recovery Optimization Stakeholders’ Retreat, held in Lagos on Friday, October 24, 2025, under the theme “Strengthening Collaboration for Revenue Optimization and Operational Efficiency.”
Represented by the Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards (DOLTS), Capt. Donald Spiff, Capt. Najomo lamented the recurring pattern of poor financial compliance among some local airlines, describing it as a major threat to the sustainability and operational integrity of Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
He stressed that the Authority could no longer tolerate a system where airlines accumulate huge debts while neglecting to meet mandatory financial obligations to the NCAA and other relevant agencies.
“The days of persistent indebtedness are over. Starting from January 2026, the NCAA will fully implement a Zero Debt Strategy designed to ensure that all airlines meet their financial commitments in real time. Operators will be required to provide Advance Payment Guarantees (APG) to cover regulatory charges and prevent the buildup of new debts,” Capt. Najomo declared.
According to him, this new compliance framework is part of a broader policy reform aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and operational discipline in line with the Federal Government’s economic transformation plan and the strategic vision of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN).
Najomo noted that the Zero Debt Strategy would not only address the problem of indebtedness but also foster a more stable financial environment that supports revenue optimization, operational efficiency, and investor confidence in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“We are repositioning NCAA as a regulator that not only enforces compliance but also promotes sustainability. This policy reflects our commitment to building a financially responsible aviation sector capable of meeting international standards,” he said.
The retreat, coordinated by the Directorate of Finance and Accounts (DFA) under the leadership of Mr. Olufemi Odukoya, in partnership with Javier Technologies Limited, served as a platform for stakeholders to explore new strategies for cost recovery, digital transformation, and operational efficiency in the aviation industry.
Stakeholders in attendance commended the NCAA’s renewed resolve, emphasizing that financial discipline is fundamental to the survival of local airlines and the overall competitiveness of the Nigerian aviation industry.
Capt. Najomo further warned that non-compliance would attract strict regulatory sanctions, affirming that the Authority would closely monitor all operators to ensure adherence to the new standards.
As the countdown to January 2026 begins, industry analysts believe the NCAA’s Zero Debt Strategy could redefine financial management practices in Nigeria’s aviation sector, instilling a culture of fiscal discipline and accountability among operators.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a Zero Debt Strategy effective January 2026 to enforce strict airline financial compliance, requiring operators to provide Advance Payment Guarantees to curb rising indebtedness and promote industry accountability.
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