By Omoyeni Ojeifo
In a move aimed at enforcing compliance across the aviation sector, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has intensified enforcement of its “No-Pay-No-Service” policy by directing a suspension of services to 11 domestic airlines over unpaid statutory charges.
The directive was contained in an internal memo obtained by Persecondnews and signed by the Directorate of Finance and Accounts at the NCAA Corporate Headquarters, Abuja, dated May 22, 2026.
“All directorates have been instructed to immediately suspend services to the affected airlines until outstanding debts are cleared or financial clearance is obtained from the Director of Finance and Accounts”. It stated.
The airlines listed include Air Peace Limited, Ibom Air Limited, Ark Air Limited, United Nigeria Airline, Umza Air, NG Eagle Airline, Max Air Limited, Caverton Helicopters, Overland Airways, Rano Air and ValueJet.
The memo further directed that no regulatory, technical or administrative services, including approvals, inspections and certifications, should be rendered to the listed operators without prior financial clearance.
It also issued a stern warning to all departments to ensure strict compliance with the directive, adding that enforcement cuts across key technical and regulatory units of the authority nationwide.
The circular was distributed to key departments including Air Transport Regulation, Airworthiness Standards, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Legal Services, regional managers and accountants.
The directive is part of efforts by the aviation regulator to recover outstanding statutory charges and strengthen financial discipline within the industry.
The development is expected to tighten regulatory compliance in the aviation sector but may also create operational pressure for affected airlines, particularly in the processing of approvals, certifications and other essential services.
The enforcement could finally secure the revenue owed to the NCAA.
However, industry watchers warn of a costly downside: potential flight delays and chaotic disruptions if these bills stay unpaid.
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