The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced an extension of the validity period for Air Operator’s Certificates (AOCs). Scheduled operators will now enjoy a five‑year validity, while non‑scheduled operators will receive a three‑year term. This change aims to give airlines greater freedom to conduct their operations without disruption. The authority also noted that fees and charges have not been updated since 2009.
Engr. Godwin Balang, Chairman of the Regulations Committee, disclosed the extension during a stakeholders’ consultation on the proposed NCAA Regulation 2023 in Abuja on Tuesday. “The validity period of the AOC has been extended to five years for scheduled operators and three years for non‑scheduled operators just to give AOC holders some freedom to carry out their operations,” Balang said.
In his opening remarks, NCAA Director General Capt. Musa Nuhu announced a review of penalties for industry violators. The maximum fine for airlines will now be N10 million, with a minimum of N1 million. Nuhu emphasized that the increase is not punitive but reflects current realities and aligns with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. He explained that the NCAA’s regulatory powers are derived from the Civil Aviation Act 2022, particularly Section 31, which authorizes the authority to issue regulations covering all aspects of civil aviation.
Nuhu further clarified that, as required by Article 37 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the new regulations will domesticate ICAO standards contained in the relevant annexes and address pertinent national matters. The consultation complies with Section 31(5) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, which mandates stakeholder engagement—including airlines, aerodrome operators, air traffic control service providers, consumers, and other relevant bodies—when exercising regulatory powers.
Stakeholders were reminded that all comments received in response to the Notice of Proposed Amendments, published on 12 February 2023, will be addressed according to the approved NCAA rule‑making process manual. “I am optimistic that during these three days of deliberation, the aviation professionals and experts present physically or virtually will assist the Authority to derive near‑perfect regulations for the advancement of civil aviation in Nigeria,” Nuhu added.
During the interactive session, some participants raised concerns that certain operators had been penalised without proper investigation and that sanctions appeared arbitrary, lacking reference to ICAO or other regulatory bodies. In response, the Director General assured that the agency’s actions are consistent with ICAO standards and noted that, when benchmarked against international charges expressed in dollars, Nigeria’s fees are exceptionally low.
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