The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority) has temporarily suspended enforcement of its “no pay, no service” directive against Air Peace, Ibom Air and nine other domestic airlines over unpaid statutory remittances owed to the regulator.
The suspension was announced in a statement signed by Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General of Civil Aviation (NCAA).
The agency had earlier placed the affected operators on an updated compliance list and ordered the withdrawal of regulatory and administrative services until outstanding obligations were resolved.
It explained that the suspended enforcement action was originally introduced to strengthen compliance with statutory remittances collected by airlines on behalf of aviation agencies, adding that the measure was designed to compel defaulting operators to either settle outstanding obligations or agree structured repayment plans.
The NCAA said the decision to suspend enforcement followed extensive consultations within the aviation sector and a review of prevailing operating conditions, particularly the rising cost of aviation fuel and its impact on airline sustainability.
It, however, clarified that the suspension did not amount to a waiver of debts, noting that all outstanding obligations remain valid and enforceable.
It also clarified that the statutory charges involved, including the 5% Ticket Sales Charge and Cargo Sales Charge, are collected by airlines on behalf of the regulator and do not form part of airline operating revenue.
The funds, the NCAA explained, are used to support safety oversight, personnel training, and economic regulation across Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, with distribution across key regulatory agencies responsible for maintaining industry standards.
