The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), a branch of the federal government, is recommending an 800% rise in aircraft navigation taxes and tariffs, which would take effect at the start of September.
This was revealed by Mr. Umar Farouk, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, during the 28th League of Aviation and Airport Correspondents (LAAC) Conference, which took place in Lagos on Friday.
He claims that the charges were last reviewed in 2008, and that following stakeholder meetings, the rise may take effect on September 1st. Farouk suggested that the N2,000 and N6,000 en route and terminal navigation fees be increased to N18,000 and N104,000 each aircraft, respectively.
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He said, “Additionally, the extension of service hours will be reviewed from N50,000 to N450,000 per extension to enable the agency to recover the cost of diesel and other logistics.”
Also, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), pledged that the federal government will formulate policies aimed at boosting the capacities of local airline operators.
Keyamo also emphasized that the development of Maintenance Repair Organization (MRO) facilities in various parts of the country is a government priority. He noted that advancing MRO facilities will significantly enhance the aviation industry.
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He mentioned that investors from Europe, Asia, America, and the Middle East are already in discussions with the Federal Government about investing in MRO facilities.
Keyamo pointed out that some bilateral air services agreements have not benefitted Nigeria, as certain carriers prefer prime Nigerian routes while relegating Nigerian airlines to second-tier airports in their countries.
In his words, “Lufthansa is coming here but we are not going to Frankfurt. Delta, and United are coming from America but we are not going there. South Africa is coming here with no reciprocity”
