President Bola Tinubu has intervened in the growing crisis within the aviation sector by approving a 30 percent discount on outstanding statutory fees for domestic airlines. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the announcement on Friday in Abuja.
The presidential directive aims to provide much-needed financial relief to local carriers struggling with rising operational costs. This move covers accumulated debts such as parking charges and navigational fees owed to various aviation agencies.
Easing the burden of high aviation fuel costs
The intervention serves as a strategic buffer against the ongoing Jet A1 fuel crisis, which has crippled the profit margins of domestic airlines. Many carriers have struggled to remain viable as the cost of fuel and maintenance continues to soar.
The government believes this discount will safeguard airline operations and ensure the continued availability of air transport services. It underscores the administration’s commitment to stabilizing the industry during these difficult economic times.
Nigeria achieves record safety rating from ICAO
In a major boost for the industry, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has awarded Nigeria a record-breaking 91.45 percent safety rating. This score followed an intensive audit conducted at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Minister Keyamo noted that this is the highest rating Nigeria has ever received since joining the audit programme in 1999. The score significantly exceeds the global average of 70.4 percent, positioning Nigeria as a leader in international aviation safety compliance.
