By Aaron Ossai
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has urged the National Assembly to increase its share of the statutory five per cent aviation revenue pool from 22 per cent to 56 per cent, citing the growing cost of maintaining critical air navigation infrastructure needed to keep the nation’s airspace safe.
Speaking at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, NAMA Managing Director, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, said the current revenue-sharing formula no longer reflects the agency’s extensive responsibilities as Nigeria’s sole Air Navigation Service Provider.
He explained that NAMA’s operations begin before every flight takes off, covering flight planning, air traffic control, navigation aids, surveillance systems, communication facilities and emergency response. According to him, these services are technology-driven, operate around the clock and cannot tolerate delays or funding gaps.
Umar disclosed that the agency spent more than ₦43 billion in 2023, including about ₦21 billion on personnel, over ₦12 billion on capital projects and more than ₦10 billion on overheads. Despite rising costs driven by inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations and higher technology expenses, he noted that NAMA’s navigation charge has remained unchanged at ₦11,000 per flight since 2008.
He also highlighted the need to modernise the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system, replace ageing equipment and invest in digital air navigation technologies, cybersecurity, satellite-based surveillance and performance-based navigation to meet global aviation standards.
To improve sustainability, Umar urged lawmakers to approve a 56 per cent allocation from the existing five per cent revenue pool without increasing the charge on airlines or passengers.
He also called for harmonisation of conflicting provisions in aviation laws, recognition of obstacle assessment and WGS-84 aeronautical surveys as chargeable technical services, and the introduction of automated revenue collection with stronger accountability measures.
According to him, improved funding for NAMA would enhance aviation safety, boost operational efficiency and support economic activities, tourism, trade and national security.
At the same hearing, the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja, sought inclusion as a statutory beneficiary of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC), requesting at least 10 per cent of the fund to support aviation education, research and manpower development.
Presenting the university’s position, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Mustapha Abdullahi, said AAAU was established to produce highly skilled professionals for Nigeria’s aviation sector and should receive dedicated funding to sustain its mandate.
He argued that the long-term growth of the aviation industry depends on continuous investment in training air traffic managers, aeronautical engineers, safety experts, meteorologists, airport managers and other specialists required to maintain global aviation standards.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Assembly to strengthening the financial framework of the aviation sector, noting that well-funded institutions are essential for improving safety and boosting investor confidence.
Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Hon. Abdullahi Garba, said the proposed amendments to aviation laws are designed to strengthen the financial and institutional capacity of aviation agencies while improving safety, transparency and service delivery across the industry.
