Comrade Ilitrus Ahmadu, President of the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), has affirmed that NAMA’s proposed navigation charges comply with legal and international standards. Speaking at the Joint Aviation Trade Unions’ Forum (JATUF) Conference, he emphasized the agency’s rights under its establishment act and ICAO Doc 9082. This announcement comes amid debates surrounding the proposed 800% increase in NAMA’s charges.
In July 2024, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) announced plans to implement NAMA’s proposed navigation charges, which were last reviewed in 2008. The increase involves raising en-route fees from ₦2,000 to ₦18,000 and terminal fees from ₦6,000 to ₦104,000 per flight. Service-hour extension fees would also rise significantly from ₦50,000 to ₦450,000. According to NAMA, these adjustments are essential to offset rising costs in diesel and logistics. The changes were scheduled for September 1 following stakeholder consultations. Read Also: NAMA Suspends Planned September Navigational Charges Increase
However, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo suspended the proposed hike amid concerns raised by industry stakeholders. During the JATUF Conference, Comrade Ahmadu reiterated that NAMA’s proposed navigation charges align with ICAO Doc 9082, a global guideline for reviewing Navigation Service Provider rates. He noted that the law permits NAMA to revise fees while ensuring compliance through stakeholder engagement. “NAMA has a right under the law, its establishment act, to increase its charges. Provided you are in compliance with ICAO document 9082, that’s the policy document on review of charges for Navigation Service Providers and airports,” Ahmadu stated.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) does not approve rates but ensures adherence to international standards. “There must be stakeholders’ consultations. It is after their consultations that you bring up your charges, not for approval by the NCAA. NCAA would regulate but not for the purpose of approval,” he added. Drawing parallels to recent ground handling rate adjustments, he highlighted the need for dialogue before implementing any changes.
Although temporarily suspended, NAMA’s proposed navigation charges remain a vital component of the agency’s economic framework. Comrade Ahmadu’s defense underscores the importance of lawful, transparent, and internationally compliant processes in maintaining aviation sector sustainability. Stakeholder engagement continues to be central to achieving consensus.
