The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has clarified that its tariff for airlines has remained unchanged at N11,000 per flight since 2008. Director General Farouk Umar disclosed this information at a recent summit organized by lawmakers, noting that the static fee is no longer sustainable given current economic realities and the rising cost of maintaining aviation infrastructure.
Umar expressed disappointment with the airlines’ opposition to NAMA’s proposal to increase the tariff, describing their stance as unfair. He highlighted that while airfares have risen sharply over the years—economy tickets now range between N150,000 and N200,000—the agency’s tariff has stayed at N11,000 per flight. According to Umar, this disparity shows that airlines have not been fair to the agency, especially in light of the substantial increase in passenger fares since 2008.
Airline operators, however, have pushed back against the proposed hike, arguing that higher tariffs would translate into increased airfares, ultimately burdening passengers. This disagreement emerges as the aviation industry grapples with rising operational costs and the expense of infrastructure maintenance.
NAMA’s tariff has become a focal point of recent discussions, with the agency advocating for an increase to reflect present economic conditions. The proposal has sparked debate within the industry, as airlines voice concerns about the potential impact on ticket prices and passenger demand. As the regulator responsible for the safe and efficient management of Nigeria’s airspace, NAMA relies on the tariff as a critical revenue source.
The stalemate between NAMA and the airlines underscores the need for a balanced approach to tariff setting—one that considers the interests of both parties. While NAMA seeks higher revenue to maintain and upgrade infrastructure, airlines worry about the possible effects on their operations and passenger demand. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the Nigerian aviation sector, and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the issue is resolved.
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