NCAA to Enforce “Zero-Debt” Strategy for Airlines in 2026

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to tighten regulatory oversight of airlines over persistent financial non-compliance, unveiling a new “Zero-Debt Strategy” set to begin January 2026.

Speaking at the 2025 Civil Aviation Cost Recovery Optimisation Stakeholders’ Retreat in Lagos, Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, via the Director of Operations, Licensing & Training Standards, Capt. Donald Spiff, flagged the recurring issue of airlines failing to fulfil statutory financial obligations, calling it “a major threat to the sector’s stability and the continued survival of regulatory oversight functions.”

Under the new framework, airlines will be required to provide mandatory Advance Payment Guarantees (APGs) before operations can continue, ensuring regulatory fees and other obligations are settled upfront rather than accumulating debt.

Capt. Najomo noted that the move aligns with the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda and the Ministry of Aviation & Aerospace Development’s push for greater transparency, efficiency and fiscal discipline across the aviation industry.

The NCAA emphasised the strategy is corrective rather than punitive, intended to protect the long-term financial health of the sector, preserve the regulator’s oversight capacity, and restore confidence among stakeholders.

Oshuniran Sheriff Ola