The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to fully implement a zero-debt policy for all airlines operating in the country by January 2026.
The move aims to tackle the growing issue of indebtedness among domestic carriers and ensure greater financial accountability in the aviation sector. The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, made this known during the 2025 Civil Aviation Cost Recovery Optimisation Stakeholders Retreat held in Lagos on Friday.
Speaking through the Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Captain Donald Spiff, the NCAA boss expressed concern over the persistent failure of some airlines to meet their financial obligations to the Authority. He described the development as a major threat to operational stability and regulatory efficiency within the industry. According to him, several airlines currently owe significant sums in statutory payments, a situation that has continued to strain the Authority’s ability to maintain high safety and service standards.
To address the challenge, the NCAA said it will enforce a “Zero Debt Strategy” starting from January 2026. This new policy will make it mandatory for all airlines to provide an Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) before operating. The guarantee is designed to ensure that operators fulfill their financial obligations promptly, preventing the accumulation of unpaid debts to the Authority. Captain Najomo emphasized that the policy would promote transparency, operational discipline, and sustainability in Nigeria’s aviation system.
He further explained that the new measure aligns with the Federal Government’s broader economic reforms and the strategic initiatives of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. According to him, the plan will enhance revenue generation, foster financial integrity among operators, and strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with international aviation standards. Najomo added that the NCAA is committed to fostering collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the framework.
The Director-General also highlighted the importance of the retreat’s theme, “Strengthening Collaboration for Revenue Optimisation and Operational Efficiency,” noting that it was designed to build synergy among regulators, airlines, and service providers. He reaffirmed that compliance would be strictly monitored and that any airline that fails to meet the new debt-free requirement would face regulatory sanctions, including suspension or withdrawal of its operating licence.
The event, which was coordinated by the NCAA’s Directorate of Finance and Accounts under the leadership of Mr. Olufemi Odukoya, was held in partnership with Javier Technologies Limited. Stakeholders at the retreat commended the Authority for its renewed efforts to strengthen financial discipline in the aviation industry, noting that the initiative would not only enhance service delivery but also restore investor confidence in Nigeria’s air transport system.
