Tinubu approves 30% debt relief for airlines

President Bola Tinubu has approved a 30 per cent discount on outstanding statutory fees owed by domestic airlines to aviation agencies.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Kayamo, disclosed on Friday in Abuja.

In a statement signed by Mr Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, he said the presidential directive was formally conveyed through the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.

Keyamo said the decisive move aimed at alleviating operational pressures within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

‘’The relief covers accumulated debts including parking charges payable to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), navigational charges owed to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), as well as other regulatory obligations.

‘’This intervention comes as part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to cushion the impact of the ongoing Jet A1 fuel crisis, which has significantly increased operating costs for domestic carriers.

“The initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to stabilising the aviation industry, safeguarding airline operations, and ensuring the continued viability of domestic air transport services across the country, ‘’ he said.

In a related development, Keyamo said Nigeria aviation sector has earned a 91.45 per cent safety rating from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

He said the record-breaking score followed the recent audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The minister said the exercise took place at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Abuja.

According to him, the landmark score, announced during a debriefing session by the ICAO audit team, represents the highest rating ever attained by Nigeria since it began participating in ICAO’s safety oversight audits.

‘’This achievement places Nigeria well above both the West African regional average of 61.1 per cent and the global average of 70.4 per cent, reinforcing the country’s standing as a leader in aviation safety compliance.

‘’The improved rating is expected to significantly enhance investor confidence, strengthen Nigeria’s international aviation credibility, and position the country as a preferred destination for global aviation partnerships and investments.

‘’The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a specialised agency of the United Nations, is responsible for coordinating global standards in air navigation and ensuring the safe and orderly development of international air transport,’’ he said.

According to him, ICAO evaluates member states’ ability to effectively implement safety oversight systems through its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).

The minister stated that Nigeria, as a committed member state, had consistently worked to align with the international standards.

‘’Since the inception of the USOAP in 1999, Nigeria has undergone four comprehensive safety audits, with performance measured through Effective Implementation (EI) scores that reflect the robustness of its aviation safety framework,’’ he added.