By Albert Akota
The Acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) Captain Chris Najomo has declared no pay, no service on all debtors in an effort to recover over N47billion owed by airlines.
Najomo who disclosed this strict sanctions to defaulting operators, said plans to set up a debt recovery joint task force to implement the cost recovery drive is under process.
He said “hence all debtors to NCAA shall seize to receive services from the authority. Its operation no pay no service, we are instituting strict sanctions for defaulting operators”.
Najomo while speaking at a press briefing in Lagos to roll out his plans also mentioned that the agency is not oblivious of illicit activities of private jet operators operating commercial flights saying any private jets who wants to operate as commercial or charter operators must apply for the commercial licences.
Recall that recently, preliminary report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau revealed Flint Aero aircraft, which crashed at Ibadan Airport in November, 2023, while carrying the minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu showed that it was operating illegally.
Highlighting the regulatory framework, Najomo said that only holders of Air Transport Licence (ATL) and Airline Operating Permit (AOP) with a valid Air Operator Certificate (AOC) are authorized to conduct charter operations.
Najomo maintained that NCAA will implement a robust risk-based surveillance system to close any potential gap opened by increases validity period of Air Operator Certificate (AOCs) for unscheduled and scheduled operators.
He said the surveillance encompassing safety, security and economic monitoring will be extended to all service providers.
The Acting DG further stated that the authority will intensify efforts in enforcing airline’s compliance with the Nig Cars 2023 part 19 on Consumer Protection Regulations.
He said in line with the assurance by the Minister of Aviation that air passengers get value for their money, NCAA would ensure that airlines provide timely care to passengers for service disruptions adding that they would also ensure consumers receive quality services in tjw Nigeria Aviation industry and that their rights are always protected.
He also also reiterated the commitment of the authority to implement a simplifies certification and licensing system to streamline the approval process. This according to him will be extended to other authorizations, approvals and permits.
He said “This is a derivative of the ease-of-doing business philosophy towards encouraging growth of the aviation industry”.
