Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority warns funding cuts and seeks FAA Category 1 audit readiness

Director‑General Chris Najomo of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) cautioned lawmakers that any further reduction in the regulator’s statutory funding could weaken aviation safety oversight. He noted that the five‑percent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) provides about 85 % of the NCAA’s revenue and argued that cost recovery should primarily come from aircraft operators, in line with ICAO guidance.

Najomo also affirmed the NCAA’s readiness for the FAA Category 1 reassessment, seeking technical assistance from the United States Federal Aviation Administration. Restoring Category 1 status is essential for Nigerian carriers such as Air Peace Limited to launch direct flights to New York, a goal the regulator is actively preparing for.