The Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Captain Chris Najomo, has expressed concern over the persistent non-compliance of Nigerian airlines with financial regulatory standards.
He warned that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will soon introduce stricter enforcement measures to ensure accountability and operational efficiency in the sector.
Speaking at the opening of the Civil Aviation Cost Recovery and Revenue Optimization Stakeholders’ Retreat in Lagos, Captain Najomo said the event marked another milestone in NCAA’s ongoing regulatory reform efforts to strengthen fiscal discipline, enhance collaboration, and improve cost recovery in the aviation industry.
poor compliance with financial obligations
Najomo, represented by the Director of Operations, Licensing and Training, Captain Donald Spiff, said the Authority is increasingly worried about airlines’ poor compliance with financial obligations, which undermines the sustainability and efficiency of Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
“These challenges, driven by liquidity issues and high operational costs, have contributed to inefficiencies that threaten the financial stability of both airlines and regulators,” he said.
He disclosed that the NCAA will implement a “Zero Debt Strategy” to take full effect from January 1, 2026, introducing an Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) framework for airlines.
The initiative, he noted, will ensure timely payment of statutory charges and promote transparency in financial transactions.Najomo stressed the need for fiscal responsibility across the sector, saying:
“We must ensure strict compliance with financial regulations and drive sustainable revenue growth across Nigeria’s air transport value chain.”
sustainable regulatory framework
He reaffirmed that the NCAA is committed to building a sustainable regulatory framework anchored on collaboration, strategic partnerships, and adherence to both local and international standards.According to him, these reforms align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Eight-Point Economic Agenda and the Five-Point Aviation Sector Reform Plan of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo.
Participants at the retreat include Chief Finance Officers of airlines, officials from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), and other aviation industry experts.
Reporting by Nosa Aituamen