The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved a 90-day deferment of the implementation of Advance Payment Guarantees (APG) for domestic airlines, following consultations with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).
The decision was reached during a meeting held on Monday, 2 February 2026, at the Authority’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, where both parties discussed the framework for ensuring timely remittance of the statutory 5 per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC).
The engagement followed a request by the AON for clarification on the requirement for airlines to provide bank-backed APGs, a measure introduced by the NCAA to safeguard funds collected from passengers on behalf of the Nigerian aviation system.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Captain Chris Najomo, explained that the NCAA is empowered under the Civil Aviation Act (CAA) 2022 (as amended) to collect the TSC on a cost-recovery basis. He noted that the charge represents passenger funds held in trust by airlines for onward remittance to the Authority for distribution among key aviation agencies.
Captain Najomo expressed concern over persistent delays in remittances by some operators, stressing that the APG initiative was designed to improve compliance, enhance remittance timelines and ensure predictable funding for effective regulation of the aviation sector.
However, following extensive deliberations, the DGCA approved a 90-day grace period to allow airline operators regularise outstanding remittances before the APG requirement takes full effect. He urged operators to make optimal use of the deferment while reiterating the Authority’s commitment to industry stability and ease of doing business, without compromising its statutory responsibilities.
Responding on behalf of the AON, the Chief Executive Officer of Overland Airways, Captain Edward Boyo, thanked the NCAA for the constructive engagement and assured that all Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders would meet their financial obligations within the deferment period.
Officials present at the meeting included the NCAA Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Captain Donald Spiff; Director of Air Transport Regulation, Mrs. Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe; Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Olufemi Odukoya; and Director of Legal Services/Company Secretary, Barrister Mary Tufano-Eche.
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