Nigerian Pilots and Engineers Warn Against Proposed NCAA Funding Cuts
The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has rejected a bill before the National Assembly that would reduce the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s share of ticket sales revenue, warning of safety risks.
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The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has issued a strong warning against a proposed legislative bill that seeks to reduce funding for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The bill, currently before the National Assembly, would revise the allocation formula for the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC), cutting the NCAA’s share from 56 per cent to 40 per cent.
NAAPE, representing aviation professionals, argues that the reduction threatens aviation safety and regulatory oversight. "Safety at risk as pilots, engineers warn against proposed cut to NCAA funding," Business Day reported, citing the union’s concerns.
According to Vanguard News, NAAPE has formally rejected the bill, stressing that diminished funding could undermine the NCAA’s capacity to maintain safety standards. The report, by Dickson Omobola, confirms the union’s opposition to the proposed reallocation of TSC proceeds.
The current funding model allocates a majority of TSC revenue to the NCAA to support regulatory functions, including aircraft certification, pilot licensing, and airport inspections. A reduction in this allocation could affect staffing, training, and equipment maintenance, officials warn.
"The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with international safety benchmarks," a NAAPE spokesperson was quoted as saying in the Vanguard report. "Any move to weaken its financial base is a step backward for air travel safety in Nigeria."
The debate over the TSC formula comes amid broader discussions on public sector funding efficiency. However, NAAPE insists that aviation safety must remain insulated from fiscal adjustments that could compromise operational capacity.
The National Assembly has not yet scheduled a vote on the bill. The NCAA has not issued a public statement on the matter, but NAAPE’s intervention signals growing concern within the aviation sector.