Nigeria’s aviation unions have given airlines and other aviation organisations a seven-day ultimatum to remit outstanding Ticket Sales Charges (TSC), warning that failure to comply will result in industrial action that could disrupt flight operations nationwide.
The warning was issued in a joint statement by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), following the expiration of an earlier 14-day ultimatum that ended on July 23 without what the unions described as meaningful compliance.
The unions accused defaulting airline operators of withholding the statutory five per cent Ticket Sales Charge collected from passengers, depriving aviation agencies of funds needed to maintain safety standards, carry out regulatory responsibilities, and support workers’ welfare.
Under Nigerian aviation regulations, the Ticket Sales Charge is deducted from every airline ticket sold and remitted to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which distributes the funds among relevant aviation agencies.
According to the unions, although airlines continue to collect the levy from passengers, several operators have allegedly failed to transfer the funds as required by law.
ATSSSAN General Secretary, Frances Akinjole, and NUATE Deputy General Secretary, Odinaka Igbokwe, who signed the statement, described the alleged non-remittance as a deliberate violation of the law.
They said the continued failure to remit the charges has left aviation agencies underfunded, affecting their ability to ensure air safety while also threatening the welfare and working conditions of employees.
The unions warned that inadequate funding of aviation agencies could pose serious safety and security risks to Nigeria’s air transport sector.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, they insisted that all organisations owing the Ticket Sales Charges must settle their outstanding debts within seven days.
They further warned that if the debts remain unpaid after the deadline, the unions will begin industrial action, including picketing the premises of defaulting airlines and other indebted organisations across the country.
The unions maintained that they would no longer tolerate actions they believe could compromise the safety and efficiency of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
