NAAPE Warns NCAA Funding Cut Could Threaten Aviation Safety

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), NCAA Branch, has strongly opposed a proposed amendment before the National Assembly seeking to reduce the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) share of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC), warning that the move could compromise aviation safety, weaken regulatory oversight and undermine Nigeria’s reputation in the global aviation industry.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the NAAPE, NCAA Branch, Comrade Diepreye Stephen Saburugha, and the Branch Secretary, Comrade (Engr.) Celestine Nkemakolam Chukwu, the association described the proposed amendment as a major setback to the country’s aviation safety framework.

Presenting its position paper titled, “Crippling NCAA’s Funding is Gambling with the Safety of Nigerian Lives,” NAAPE faulted the proposal to reduce the NCAA’s allocation from 56 per cent to 40 per cent while increasing the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency’s (NAMA) share from 22 per cent to 40 per cent.

According to the association, the proposal goes beyond a simple revenue-sharing adjustment, warning that it could reverse decades of aviation safety reforms implemented after the Bellview Airlines, ADC Airlines and Dana Air crashes that prompted significant improvements in Nigeria’s regulatory oversight.

NAAPE explained that the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge was introduced in 1999 to guarantee the financial independence of the NCAA, stressing that aviation safety regulation is a sovereign responsibility requiring substantial investment despite generating limited commercial revenue.

The association noted that while NAMA operates as a commercial service provider funded through navigation service charges, the NCAA was intentionally structured to rely largely on the Ticket Sales Charge to ensure effective and independent safety regulation.

It recalled that the NCAA’s statutory share of the TSC has gradually declined from 70 per cent under the 1999 legislation to 58 per cent in 2006 and further to 56 per cent under the Civil Aviation Act 2022, warning that any further reduction would significantly weaken the Authority’s ability to discharge its statutory responsibilities.

Rather than reducing the regulator’s funding, NAAPE urged the Federal Government to recover billions of naira in outstanding Ticket Sales Charge debts owed by airlines and strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure full remittance of statutory aviation charges.

According to the association, recovering the outstanding revenues would improve the financial position of all beneficiary aviation agencies without undermining the NCAA’s operational independence.

It further argued that, considering rising inflation, expanding regulatory responsibilities and increasing technological demands, the NCAA’s allocation should instead be increased to about 65 per cent.

NAAPE disclosed that the Authority is already facing serious financial constraints affecting routine inspections, surveillance and certification activities.

The association revealed that many aviation safety inspectors are yet to receive their Duty Tour Allowances (DTAs), while some have reportedly funded official inspection assignments from personal resources due to delays in reimbursements.

It also expressed concern over the loss of more than 60 highly trained inspectors and technical personnel within the last five years, attributing the development to poor remuneration and better employment opportunities elsewhere.

According to NAAPE, the exodus of experienced personnel poses a significant threat to institutional capacity at a time when aviation regulators are expected to keep pace with rapidly evolving aircraft technology, digital systems, maintenance standards and international safety requirements through continuous training.

The association further noted that although improved Conditions of Service for NCAA employees were approved in January 2026, implementation has remained stalled because of inadequate funding.

It warned that delayed inspections, postponed safety audits and inadequate surveillance resulting from funding shortages could gradually weaken Nigeria’s aviation safety system, stressing that aviation accidents are often preceded by overlooked warning signs.

NAAPE also cited standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which require civil aviation authorities to maintain adequate financial and human resources to effectively perform their regulatory responsibilities.

The association highlighted Nigeria’s recent achievement of a 91.4 per cent Effective Implementation score under ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), describing it as evidence of the NCAA’s effective oversight despite existing financial challenges.

It cautioned that weakening the Authority’s financial autonomy could adversely affect future ICAO audits, reduce investor confidence and diminish Nigeria’s credibility in the international aviation community.

NAAPE also warned that inadequate funding could threaten Nigeria’s ability to sustain the confidence of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), particularly as Nigerian airlines continue to expand international operations.

The association therefore called on members of the National Assembly to reject the proposed amendment and instead focus on strengthening the NCAA through improved funding, recovery of outstanding statutory revenues, modernisation of aviation financing mechanisms and preservation of the regulator’s independence.

“A nation that weakens its safety regulator weakens the safety of its skies. Nigeria must not make that mistake,” the association stated.

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The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has urged the National Assembly to reject a proposed bill seeking to reduce the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s share of the Ticket Sales Charge, warning that it could weaken safety oversight and damage Nigeria’s global aviation standing.