Nigeria’s aviation regulator has suspended its “no pay, no service” directive against 11 domestic airlines after reviewing unpaid statutory remittances.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), through Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo, announced the decision after consultations with aviation stakeholders.
It also reviewed growing operational pressures affecting airlines.
Regulatory Enforcement Pause
Previously, an internal directive placed airlines on a compliance list.
Regulators then withdrew services from operators that failed to clear outstanding debts.
This action sparked concerns and raised fears of disruptions to flight operations.
At the centre of the dispute, airlines collect statutory charges, including the 5% Ticket Sales Charge and Cargo Sales Charge, on behalf of the regulator.
The NCAA uses these funds to support safety oversight, training, and wider regulatory responsibilities.
Debt Recovery Tension
Initially, the suspended enforcement aimed to compel airlines to settle arrears or negotiate repayment plans.
However, rising aviation fuel costs forced the regulator to pause the measure.
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Importantly, the NCAA stressed that it does not cancel debts through this suspension.
Instead, it continues to treat all outstanding obligations as valid and enforceable.
Internal memo fallout
The issue began when a May 22, 2026 internal memo instructed NCAA offices to withdraw services from 11 airlines without financial clearance.
Officials circulated the memo across departments and copied senior leaders.
Affected airlines include Air Peace, Ibom Air, Arik Air, United Nigeria Airlines, Max Air, Caverton Helicopters, Overland Airways, Rano Air, ValueJet, NG Eagle, and Umza Air.
Meanwhile, government interventions continue to support the sector.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a 30% relief on aviation fees.
In addition, regulators introduced fuel pricing reforms and credit support to stabilise operations.<!-
