Fidelia Okafor.

In a bid to put an end to airlines indebtedness to aviation agencies arising from the 5 per cent Ticket Sales Charge/Cargo Sales Charge (TSC/CSC), the Federal Government has given January 1, 2017 as the deadline for airlines operating in the country to automate their remittance / payment systems.

FG’s decision was made known in an online statement signed by the General Manager, Public Relations of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Mr Sam Adurogboye

Adurogboye stated that the automation system was introduced to ensure transparency, accurate billing and prompt  payments of charges due  from the airlines to the NCAA in line with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations(NCARs) 2015, Vol.2, Part 18.12.5.

Adurogboye cited the NCARs 2015, which states that “All domestic and international airlines operating in Nigeria shall forward to the Authority through an electronic platform provided by the Authority, all relevant documents such as flown coupons, passenger or cargo manifest, air way bills, load sheets, clients’ service invoices and other documents necessary for accurate billing within forty – eight (48) hours after each flight”.

He pointed out that this directive has the full backing of the Federal Government for full implementation and strict compliance.

The image maker hinted that the directive is being handed down after due consultations with the airlines and other stakeholders on the desirability of the operators to join the automation platform for the collection of 5 per cent TSC/CSC on the airlines operations.

He added that with this directive airlines are requested to join the platform on or before January 1, 2017 or face appropriate sanctions in event of failure.

NCAA added that operators are further mandated to work with First Bank of Nigeria FBN / AVITECH (FG approved NCAA Consultant on the automation) for the purpose of immediate implementation.

NCAA stated that in as much as it was not the plan of the authority to regulate any airline out of existence, NCAA would  not tolerate non remittance of its dues again as such a conduct would be viewed seriously.