Stakeholders split over NAMA’s share of aviation levies

The sharing of aviation revenue through the Ticket Sales Charge has sparked debate among stakeholders, with differing opinions on how the funds should be allocated. While some advocates argue that the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) requires a larger share of the aviation levy to maintain critical navigation and air traffic control infrastructure, others contend that increasing funding without improving efficiency could be wasteful.

Former Group Captain at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, John Ojikutu, maintains that NAMA's responsibilities and operating costs warrant a higher share of the TSC, citing the essential services provided by the agency, such as air traffic control, navigational services, and emergency coordination. However, aviation analyst and former Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Sam Caulcrick, argues that increasing NAMA's share alone is insufficient without addressing capital expenditure tied to improved operational efficiency and revenue protection.

Caulcrick points out that the agency's upper airspace communications infrastructure, characterized by repeater-based communication systems, has created communication delays and unreliable radio communication between pilots and air traffic controllers. Caulcrick suggests prioritizing the improvement of upper-airspace communications before considering an increase in NAMA's funding.