One of Nigeria’s leading carriers, United Nigeria Airlines, on Monday, June 1, rewarded its passengers with the recently released Samsung Galaxy phones in the “Awesome Row” partnership it has with the phone company. 

The winners, Hamid Ibrahim, Chidi Chinedu, and Gbenga Bello, were among passengers selected through an onboard lucky dip on the Lagos–Abuja and Abuja–Lagos flights on the day.

Passengers also got exclusive in-flight access to the new Samsung Galaxy A57 and A37 and winners emerged from the live experience.

Speaking on the outcome of the initiative, UNA’s Chief Commercial Officer, Dayo Olawuyi, expressed delight at the success of the promotion, saying that it reflects the airline’s deepest commitment to its passengers and the values that drive the brand.

“At United Nigeria Airlines, we fly to unite. Every route we operate, every flight we run, is about bringing Nigerians together, whether for business, work or family functions.

“This partnership with Samsung is a extension of that mission because they share our belief in delivering the very best to Nigerians, and together, we wanted to create a moment that passengers would never forget. We are very thrilled for Hamid, Chidi, and Gbenga, and we congratulate them on their wins.

“We are very passionate about ensuring our customers have the best experience, and that is exactly the kind of thing we want people to associate with flying United Nigeria Airlines,” he said.

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The Nigeria Aviation Hall of Fame has announced that preparations are at advanced stages for the induction of new entrants into its prestigious Hall of Fame, following the conclusion of final screening of nominees.

Organisers of the event, Mr Wole Shadare and Mr Gboyega Adeoye, confirmed that finishing touches are currently being put to all arrangements preceding the landmark ceremony, which will hold soon.

Speaking on the support received so far, Shadare expressed profound appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his massive and unwavering support towards the success of the event.

“We are putting finishing touches to what promises to be a defining moment for Nigeria’s aviation history. This would not have been possible without the Honourable Minister, Mr Festus Keyamo, whose commitment to recognising excellence and preserving our industry’s legacy has been phenomenal. His support has been a major boost for us,” he said.

Also commenting, Adeoye extended gratitude to the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, ably led by the Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, and other aviation agencies for their collaboration.

“We are equally grateful to FAAN under Mrs Olubunmi Kuku for standing firmly with us. The collaboration we have enjoyed from FAAN, the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, and the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, demonstrates a united industry ready to celebrate its heroes,” he stated.

The organisers further acknowledged the backing of corporate and institutional partners, including Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Google Nigeria, Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC, as well as local and international airlines.

“This induction is not just about honouring individuals. It is about inspiring the next generation and documenting the contributions of men and women who built and sustained Nigeria’s aviation industry. With the support we’ve received from the Honourable Minister, FAAN, sister agencies, and our partners, we are confident of delivering a world-class event that befits the stature of our inductees,” the organisers stressed.

Details of the induction ceremony, including date, venue, and the full list of inductees, will be announced in the coming days.

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It is becoming increasingly common to encounter stories on social media from passengers and visitors who recount unpleasant experiences while travelling through some Nigerian airports. While some speak of repeated checks and requests for gratification, others describe unnecessary delays and encounters that leave them frustrated, disappointed, and questioning the quality of service they receive.

This is unfortunate because air travel should evoke a different experience altogether. An international journey ought to be pleasant, seamless, and exciting. Airports are gateways to opportunity, commerce, tourism, education, family reunions, and cultural exchange. More importantly, they often provide the first and last impression visitors have of a country. When the airport experience becomes unsatisfactory, the damage extends beyond passenger inconvenience; it diminishes confidence in our systems and undermines the image we seek to project to the world.

Whether every account reflects the entire reality is not the point; perception matters. And when such narratives become recurring themes in public discourse, they deserve attention. For those of us within the aviation industry, they are reminders that the journey towards a world-class airport system remains unfinished.

It is important to state that the campaign against illicit activities at Nigerian airports is neither new nor dormant. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), under the leadership of its Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has continued to champion initiatives aimed at improving professionalism, transparency, accountability, and passenger experience. The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has also demonstrated commitment to reforms designed to strengthen Nigeria’s standing within the global aviation community.

Engagements involving aviation stakeholders, security agencies, and the Office of the National Security Adviser have produced interventions such as enhanced monitoring systems, increased stakeholder collaboration, improved complaint channels, deployment of technology, and renewed emphasis on professional conduct. There have been visible improvements, but the persistence of negative passenger experiences suggests that more work remains to be done.

One important truth must therefore be acknowledged. The fight against illicit activities cannot be won by institutions alone. Passengers have a critical role to play. Public attention naturally focuses on those who solicit unlawful payments. However, illicit transactions often survive because there are participants on both sides of the exchange. This is not intended to excuse misconduct by any official. Rather, it highlights a practical reality. Sustainable change requires collective responsibility.

The traveller carrying prohibited items, undeclared goods, forged documents, or other non-compliant materials creates circumstances that may encourage attempts at compromise. Likewise, travellers seeking shortcuts around established procedures can inadvertently fuel the very culture they later condemn. This is why passengers must become active partners in the campaign against illicit activities.

The most empowered passenger is the compliant passenger. A traveller who understands and follows the rules, arrives early, cooperates with lawful security procedures, and maintains proper documentation has little reason to fear legitimate scrutiny.

International aviation security standards developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recognise security screening as a fundamental pillar of civil aviation safety and security. The purpose is not merely regulatory compliance; it is the protection of passengers, crew members, aircraft, airport infrastructure, and national interests. The challenge, therefore, is not the existence of security procedures. The challenge is ensuring that such procedures are implemented efficiently, transparently, professionally, and without opportunities for abuse.

This is why conversations within the aviation sector increasingly focus on technology-driven solutions. Many leading airports around the world rely on integrated screening systems, advanced surveillance technologies, intelligence-led profiling, and centralised monitoring capabilities that reduce unnecessary physical interactions while maintaining high security standards. Nigeria’s aviation industry is already exploring similar innovations.

The future airport should be one where technology performs much of the routine verification process while trained personnel focus on genuine security concerns. It should combine security with efficiency and, above all, inspire confidence. Every negative airport experience affects more than the individual traveller involved; it shapes perceptions of Nigeria itself. That is why the campaign against illicit activities is not simply an airport matter; it is a national imperative.

For FAAN, the journey continues. The Authority’s culture transformation initiatives, stakeholder engagements, passenger-service programmes, and anti-indiscipline campaigns reflect a commitment to creating airports that Nigerians can be proud of and visitors can admire. Transformation, however, is rarely instantaneous; it requires persistence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

As a nation, we must refuse to normalise illicit behaviour. We must reject the notion that corruption is an unavoidable cost of travel. And we must recognise that lasting change will require commitment from institutions, airport personnel, and passengers alike.

The next time you travel through a Nigerian airport, do the right thing. Comply with the rules. Decline to offer gratification. Report misconduct through the appropriate channels. Remain patient, confident, and assertive. Demand professionalism, but also demonstrate responsibility.

The airport experience we desire is not built by institutions alone; it is built collectively. Every passenger who chooses integrity over convenience becomes a partner in the effort to build safer, more efficient, and more respected Nigerian airports.

The airport we want is possible. But all of us must be part of the solution.

Henry Agbebire Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, FAAN, writes from Lagos.

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United Nigeria Airlines’ decision to reward passengers with Samsung Galaxy smartphones, complimentary flight tickets and other gifts on selected Lagos–Abuja–Lagos flights on June 1 is more than a promotional campaign. Industry analysts say it represents a strategic investment in customer experience, brand loyalty and ancillary revenue generation in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive aviation market.

The initiative, executed in partnership with Samsung, will allow passengers on designated morning flights between Lagos and Abuja to participate in an onboard lucky dip, with winners receiving Samsung Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37 smartphones, free flight tickets and other prizes.

Speaking on the partnership, United Nigeria Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, Dayo Olawuyi, said the airline’s objective is to create memorable experiences that begin from the moment passengers check in and continue throughout their journey.

“We partnered with Samsung because of our shared values of excellence and, most importantly, to reward our loyal passengers with a live device experience. Passengers who fly with us on June 1, either from Lagos to Abuja or from Abuja to Lagos in the morning, will stand a chance to win Galaxy phones, free tickets and other gifts.

“We are very passionate about ensuring our customers have the best experience and that is exactly the kind of thing we want people to associate with flying United Nigeria Airlines,” he stated.

The Business Case Behind Passenger Rewards

Data from the Nigerian aviation industry shows that customer retention is becoming increasingly important as airlines contend with rising operational costs, foreign exchange pressures, aircraft maintenance expenses and fluctuating passenger demand.

Industry studies globally suggest that acquiring a new customer can cost several times more than retaining an existing one. Consequently, airlines are increasingly investing in loyalty programmes, experiential marketing and strategic partnerships to strengthen customer relationships.

For domestic carriers operating high-frequency routes such as Lagos–Abuja, passenger experience has become a critical differentiator. The route remains one of Nigeria’s busiest air corridors, accounting for a significant share of domestic air travel demand due to government, corporate and business activities.

Analysts note that promotional campaigns offering technology products and travel incentives often generate substantial social media engagement, positive brand sentiment and repeat bookings, particularly among younger travelers and business professionals.

Impact on Pre-Flight Operations

From a pre-flight perspective, aviation marketing experts say campaigns of this nature can stimulate ticket sales, increase route visibility and encourage early bookings.

The announcement itself creates market buzz, generating free publicity across traditional and digital media platforms. This can improve aircraft load factors—the percentage of seats occupied by paying passengers—which remains one of the most important profitability indicators for airlines.

Higher booking volumes can also improve revenue forecasting and route planning while helping airlines maximize available seat capacity.

Enhancing the In-Flight Experience

During flight operations, initiatives such as live product demonstrations and onboard prize draws contribute to passenger engagement and satisfaction.

Rather than viewing air travel solely as transportation, airlines are increasingly creating experiential journeys that combine entertainment, customer interaction and brand activation.

Passengers participating in a lucky dip or interacting with newly launched Samsung devices are more likely to associate the airline with innovation and customer appreciation, creating positive emotional connections that extend beyond the flight itself.

Industry observers argue that such experiences can significantly improve Net Promoter Scores (NPS), a key metric used globally to measure customer willingness to recommend a brand to others.

Post-Flight Benefits and Brand Loyalty

The long-term value of the promotion may become most evident after passengers leave the aircraft.

Satisfied travelers often become brand ambassadors, sharing their experiences through social media platforms, online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations.

For airlines, this organic marketing can reduce customer acquisition costs while strengthening brand credibility.

Passengers who win devices or free tickets are also likely to remain engaged with the airline, increasing the probability of repeat travel and long-term loyalty.

The partnership equally provides Samsung with direct consumer engagement opportunities, allowing prospective customers to experience its latest products in a premium and highly targeted environment.

Economists and Financial Experts React

Responding to questions from The Ameh News, economist Celestine Ukpong described the initiative as a practical example of value-added marketing in a competitive service industry.

According to Ukpong, “The aviation industry globally is evolving beyond transporting passengers from one destination to another. What we are seeing here is the integration of customer experience, technology and brand partnerships. Promotions like this can stimulate demand while enhancing customer perception of value.”

He added that strategic collaborations often create a win-win outcome for both brands involved.

“United Nigeria Airlines gains stronger customer engagement while Samsung gains direct access to a captive audience. The economic value extends beyond the immediate giveaway because it influences future purchasing and travel decisions.”

Also speaking with The Ameh News, financial expert and chartered accountant Peter Adebayo, FCA, noted that customer-centric initiatives increasingly influence profitability and sustainability in the airline sector.

“From a financial perspective, loyalty-building activities should not be viewed merely as expenses. They are investments in customer retention and brand equity. Airlines that successfully create positive customer experiences tend to enjoy stronger repeat business and enhanced market positioning.”

Adebayo observed that in an era of intense competition and rising operating costs, innovative customer engagement strategies could provide a measurable competitive advantage.

“The real return on investment may not necessarily be the value of the phones being given away. The larger benefit lies in increased customer lifetime value, stronger brand visibility and improved passenger confidence.”

A New Direction for Nigerian Aviation Marketing

As Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to recover and expand, experts believe airlines will increasingly adopt experiential marketing strategies to distinguish themselves in a crowded marketplace.

For passengers traveling on the selected June 1 flights, the opportunity to win premium Samsung smartphones and complimentary flight tickets may be the immediate attraction.

For United Nigeria Airlines, however, the initiative represents something much bigger: a strategic effort to strengthen customer loyalty, enhance brand perception and redefine passenger experience in Nigeria’s domestic aviation industry.

With every seat on the designated Lagos–Abuja–Lagos flights becoming a potential winning ticket, the promotion demonstrates how innovation, partnerships and customer appreciation can converge to create value for both airlines and travelers.

United Nigeria Airlines’ partnership with Samsung to reward passengers with Galaxy smartphones and free tickets highlights a growing trend in aviation marketing. Experts say the initiative could boost customer loyalty, increase bookings and enhance passenger experience across pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight operations.

United Nigeria Airlines and Samsung are rewarding passengers with Galaxy smartphones, free flight tickets and gifts. Experts tell The Ameh News the initiative could strengthen customer loyalty, improve airline profitability and redefine passenger experience.

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The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau) has renewed attention on the 1987 MV Doña Paz maritime disaster, widely regarded as the deadliest peacetime shipping tragedy in modern history, amid fresh concerns over maritime safety enforcement following recent incidents within Nigeria’s waterways.

The Bureau referenced the disaster as part of broader safety reflections triggered by the 2026 Onne Port collision, using the historical case to underscore persistent global lessons in overcrowding, weak emergency systems, and operational negligence.

On December 20, 1987, the passenger ferry MV Doña Paz collided with the oil tanker MT Vector in the Philippines, igniting a massive fire at sea that engulfed both vessels. The ferry, reportedly carrying far more passengers than officially recorded, became a death trap as fire spread rapidly through overcrowded decks.

Investigations later confirmed a chain of failures including severe overloading, lack of passenger accountability, poor emergency preparedness, and inadequate safety enforcement. The disaster claimed more than 4,000 lives, with only 26 survivors, making it one of the most catastrophic maritime incidents in recorded history.

Experts Warn Against Repeating Historical Failures

Reacting to questions posed by The Ameh News on the implications of the NSIB’s renewed focus, experts stressed that recalling past disasters must go beyond symbolic reflection and translate into enforceable reforms.

According to Dr Akin Olaniyan, a veteran journalist and leadership coach with over three decades of experience, Nigeria’s maritime safety ecosystem risks stagnation if historical tragedies are not institutionalised into training and operational discipline.

He noted that:

“Referencing disasters like MV Doña Paz is important, but the real value lies in embedding these lessons into leadership decisions, compliance culture, and enforcement systems. Without that, we are only repeating history in different waters.”

Dr Olaniyan further emphasised that leadership accountability remains central to preventing maritime disasters, adding that operational negligence often stems from weak supervisory structures rather than a lack of knowledge.

Economic Perspective: Safety as an Efficiency Issue

From an economic standpoint, Celestine Ukpong argued that maritime safety failures carry significant financial consequences beyond human loss, affecting trade efficiency, insurance costs, and investor confidence in the logistics and transport sector.

He explained that systemic maritime failures “introduce hidden costs into the economy, from disrupted supply chains to higher risk premiums for operators.”

Ukpong added that:

“When safety systems fail, the market reacts. Insurance becomes more expensive, shipping becomes riskier, and ultimately consumers bear the cost. The lesson from MV Doña Paz is not only humanitarian—it is deeply economic.”

NSIB Urged to Strengthen Preventive Frameworks

The conversation sparked by the NSIB’s reference to the Doña Paz disaster has renewed calls for stronger preventive mechanisms within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Stakeholders argue that while historical disasters remain valuable teaching tools, the real challenge lies in converting them into structured compliance systems, operator training modules, and real-time enforcement mechanisms.

Key concerns raised include:

Limited integration of global maritime case studies into licensing systems

Weak enforcement of passenger limits and vessel safety protocols

Inconsistent safety audits across waterways

Gaps in operator awareness of international maritime disasters

From Reflection to Reform

In response to ongoing discourse, Ameh News highlighted that the key question is not whether Nigeria remembers global maritime disasters, but whether such lessons are actively shaping present-day operational standards.

Experts agree that without deliberate institutional learning, historical tragedies risk becoming repeated warnings rather than preventive tools.

The MV Doña Paz disaster remains a stark reminder of how overcrowding, negligence, and weak enforcement can combine into catastrophic outcomes—an issue stakeholders insist must inform Nigeria’s evolving maritime safety framework.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau revisits the 1987 MV Doña Paz disaster as experts Dr Akin Olaniyan and economist Celestine Ukpong warn Nigeria to convert maritime safety lessons into enforceable reforms following concerns over recent port incidents.

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The Corps described Dangote Cement as a benchmark for transport management and road safety practices, not only in Nigeria but across Africa.

Speaking during a visit by Dangote Cement Plc to the FRSC Headquarters, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, praised the company for setting new standards in road safety management and urged the sustained implementation of initiatives that are reshaping Nigeria’s transport landscape. Comparative data between 2025 and 2026 revealed a 56 per cent reduction in road crashes involving Dangote Cement trucks, alongside a 36 per cent decline in fatalities and a 52 per cent reduction in injuries.

According to the Corps Marshal, these outcomes clearly demonstrate the effective execution of Dangote Cement’s Gap Analysis and the strength of its internal transport safety policies, which were described as worthy of emulation by logistics operators across Africa. He noted that Dangote Cement’s success reinforces the belief that when industry leaders get safety right, the benefits extend to the entire nation and the continent at large.

Earlier, the Head of Transport at Dangote Cement Plc, Murilo Silva, highlighted the company’s ongoing investments in advanced transport management systems, including automated inspection technologies and artificial intelligence–driven solutions designed to enhance both operational efficiency and road safety. Murilo Silva explained that long-standing collaboration with the FRSC in the formulation and implementation of transport policies is now yielding tangible results. In addition to its dedicated transport safety policy, the company continues to prioritise driver recertification and continuous retraining.

The Group Chief, HSSE and Sustainability Officer for Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. James Adenuga, emphasised that these achievements are underpinned by strong leadership commitment and unwavering top management support for innovation. Dr. Adenuga reaffirmed that Dangote Cement remains focused on continuous improvement, with sustained reforms, safety enhancements, and innovation-led initiatives aimed at strengthening efficiency, deepening compliance with global best practices, and delivering lasting value to stakeholders and host communities.

Also speaking, the Lead Fleet Safety, Nigeria, at Dangote Cement Plc, Ozovehe Abraham, disclosed that the company has deployed advanced technologies to monitor and assess driver behaviour in real time. These systems enhance compliance with safety standards, identify risky driving patterns early, and support continuous improvement in driver performance. Ozovehe Abraham added that Dangote Cement is currently recalibrating and strengthening its speed limit policy as part of broader operational safety measures to further reduce road crashes and reinforce discipline and safer haulage practices.

Members of the Dangote Cement Plc delegation to the FRSC Headquarters included the Divisional Director of Transport, Obajana Hemant Rana (Col Rtd.); Head of Pre-Trip Inspection, Charles Theophilus, and Dr. Jibrin Abubakar of the Group Branding and Communications Department.

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‎The airline has announced a partnership with Samsung as part of the “Awesome Row” plan where passengers on the route will get access to the new Samsung Galaxy A57 during the flight, and winners that emerge will get new devices.

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‎Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Commercial Officer for the airline, Dayo Olawuyi, said the partnership is about creating value that passengers feel from the moment they check in. “We partnered with Samsung because of our shared values of excellence and most importantly, to reward our loyal passengers with a live device experience. Passengers who fly with us on May 29 either from Lagos to Abuja or from Abuja to Lagos in the morning will stand a chance to win a Galaxy phone. We are very passionate about ensuring our customers have the best experience and that is exactly the kind of thing we want people to associate with flying United Air,” he said.

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‎Devices up for grabs include the Samsung Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37. All passengers on the selected May 29 Lagos–Abuja–Lagos flights are eligible to participate in the onboard lucky dip.

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The initiative, described as a major structural intervention, aims to address long-standing challenges in fleet acquisition by creating a centralised, government-supported but privately driven leasing platform that connects Nigerian airlines directly with global aircraft lessors and financiers.

According to the Ministry, the SPV is expected to improve investor confidence, reduce leasing costs, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in global aviation finance markets.

Keyamo: SPV is a structural reset for aviation financing

Minister Festus Keyamo has consistently framed the initiative as part of a broader aviation reform agenda focused on rebuilding confidence in Nigeria’s air transport ecosystem and improving operational efficiency.

He argues that the SPV will:

Enhance access to modern aircraft for Nigerian airlines

Improve leasing transparency and structure

Reduce dependence on expensive and unsustainable leasing arrangements

Strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with global aviation finance standards

Industry stakeholders say the minister’s push reflects a wider effort to reposition Nigeria as a credible destination for aviation investment and leasing partnerships.

A breakthrough in aircraft access — but not the full solution

While the SPV has been widely welcomed as a long-overdue intervention, aviation experts caution that it addresses only one layer of a far more complex profitability crisis.

A economist Celestine Ukpong told The Ameh News that improving aircraft access alone will not resolve the structural weaknesses facing Nigerian airlines.

“The SPV improves fleet availability, but it does not solve the core issues — fuel costs, foreign exchange exposure, and regulatory burdens remain the real pressure points,” he said.

He added that unless broader cost reforms accompany the initiative, airlines may still struggle to remain profitable even with improved leasing conditions.

Financial expert: “Good reform, but incomplete economics”

Reacting to The Ameh News inquiry on the SPV’s potential impact, financial analyst and chartered accountant Peter Adebayo FCA described the policy as “structurally positive but economically insufficient.”

“What the minister has done is strengthen the supply side of aviation financing. That is important. But airlines operate in a dollar-cost environment while earning in naira — that mismatch is still unresolved,” Adebayo said.

He further noted that aircraft leases, even under the SPV structure, would remain denominated in foreign currency, leaving airlines exposed to exchange rate volatility.

“Without reforms in fuel pricing, taxation, and FX stability, profitability will remain fragile regardless of fleet access,” he added.

The three cost pressures still defining Nigerian aviation

Despite the reform push, industry conditions remain constrained by three dominant structural pressures:

1. High aviation fuel costs

Jet A1 fuel accounts for up to 40% of total airline operating costs, making domestic carriers highly sensitive to price fluctuations.

2. Foreign exchange exposure

The depreciation of the naira continues to inflate costs for:

Aircraft leasing obligations

Maintenance and spare parts

Insurance premiums

This creates a persistent mismatch between revenue (naira) and costs (dollars).

3. Heavy regulatory and tax burden

Airlines operate under multiple overlapping charges, which industry stakeholders argue significantly erode already thin margins and discourage reinvestment.

Demand pressures add another layer of strain

Beyond cost challenges, Nigeria’s domestic aviation market has also experienced declining passenger demand, driven largely by rising ticket prices.

As fares increase to absorb operational costs, air travel becomes less accessible, further weakening load factors and revenue stability.

Regional reality: Africa’s aviation profitability gap

Across Africa, airlines continue to operate with some of the lowest profit margins globally, constrained by high operating costs, currency volatility, and infrastructure limitations.

Nigeria’s aviation sector reflects this broader continental challenge, where structural inefficiencies often outweigh fleet expansion efforts.

Reform debate: ambition vs execution

The SPV represents one of the most ambitious aviation financing reforms in recent years under Minister Festus Keyamo’s leadership. However, experts stress that its success will depend on how well it integrates with wider economic reforms.

As Peter Adebayo FCA summarised:

“The SPV is a step forward, but not a complete solution. Aviation sustainability requires coordinated reforms across fuel, FX, and taxation — not just aircraft access.”

Nigeria’s aircraft leasing SPV, championed by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, marks a significant attempt to resolve a long-standing bottleneck in fleet acquisition and aviation financing.

However, while the initiative strengthens the supply side of the industry, experts caution that the deeper profitability crisis remains unresolved.

Ultimately, the future of Nigerian aviation may depend not only on how easily airlines can access aircraft, but on whether the broader operating environment becomes economically sustainable enough to keep them flying profitably.

Nigeria’s aviation minister Festus Keyamo has backed a new aircraft leasing SPV aimed at improving airline access to aircraft, but experts warn that fuel costs, foreign exchange volatility, and heavy taxation continue to threaten the sector’s profitability.

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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the temporary suspension of its planned enforcement of the “No Pay, No Service” directive against airlines with outstanding statutory remittances, in a move the regulator says is aimed at maintaining operational stability across Nigeria’s aviation sector amid escalating economic pressures.

The decision follows what the Authority described as extensive consultations with key industry stakeholders and a careful reassessment of current operating realities, particularly the persistent rise in aviation turbine fuel (Jet A1) costs, which has continued to strain airline finances and disrupt planning across the sector.

In a statement issued on 24 May 2026 and signed by the Director-General, Chris Ona Najomo, the NCAA clarified that the suspension is strictly temporary and should not be interpreted as a cancellation, waiver, or forgiveness of outstanding statutory obligations owed by airlines.

According to the regulator, the authority to grant waivers or cancel statutory debts does not rest with the NCAA, stressing that all obligations remain valid and enforceable under existing aviation laws and regulations.

The NCAA further referenced ongoing government interventions in the aviation industry, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had previously approved a 30 per cent reduction on outstanding fees owed by domestic airlines to aviation agencies, including the NCAA. The measure, it said, forms part of broader fiscal relief efforts designed to cushion the impact of high jet fuel prices, improve liquidity in the sector, and support operational continuity for domestic carriers.

Despite the temporary suspension of enforcement, the Authority emphasized that all affected airlines remain fully responsible for settling their statutory debts. It added that it will continue structured, airline-by-airline engagements aimed at recovering outstanding remittances in a manner that does not destabilize ongoing operations.

Clarification on Statutory Charges

The NCAA also used the opportunity to clarify the nature of the 5 per cent Ticket and Cargo Sales Charge, describing it as a statutory obligation embedded in Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Act.

According to the Authority, the charge is collected by airlines at the point of ticket and cargo sales on behalf of the aviation ecosystem and is subsequently remitted for distribution among regulatory and service-providing agencies within the sector.

It stressed that the levy does not constitute airline operating revenue or profit, but rather a pass-through statutory collection designed to sustain aviation safety, regulation, and infrastructure support services.

The regulator further explained that the NCAA operates on a cost-recovery basis and does not receive direct budgetary funding from the Federal Government for its day-to-day regulatory operations. As such, statutory remittances remain critical to ensuring effective oversight, safety regulation, and compliance monitoring across Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Industry Balance and Regulatory Approach

While acknowledging the financial pressures currently facing airlines, the NCAA described its decision as a “calibrated and pragmatic” approach intended to strike a balance between strict regulatory enforcement and the need to avoid disruption in air transport services.

The Authority reiterated that while it remains committed to sustaining industry stability, it will also continue to uphold the principle that all collected statutory charges must be remitted for their intended purposes in line with existing laws.

It assured stakeholders that engagement with operators will remain ongoing, with the goal of ensuring full compliance while preserving the financial and operational stability of the aviation sector.

The NCAA has temporarily suspended enforcement of its “No Pay, No Service” directive against airlines with outstanding statutory remittances, citing rising operational costs and industry stability concerns. The regulator, however, insists that all debts remain payable and statutory obligations must still be fully remitted.

NCAA suspends “No Pay, No Service” enforcement temporarily, citing airline cost pressures, but insists statutory aviation debts remain payable and fully enforceable under Nigerian law.

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