NCAA to introduce zero debt strategy for airlines from January 2026

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to introduce a Zero Debt Strategy beginning January 2026 as part of efforts to tackle the growing problem of airlines’ non-compliance with financial regulatory obligations.

Director-General of Civil Aviation Capt Chris Najomo disclosed this at the 2025 Civil Aviation Cost Recovery Optimisation Stakeholders Retreat in Lagos.

The retreat, themed “Strengthening Collaboration for Revenue Optimisation and Operational Efficiency,” brought together stakeholders in the aviation sector to explore measures that would enhance financial discipline and operational efficiency.

Represented by the Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards (DOLTS), Capt Donald Spiff, Capt Najomo expressed concern over the persistent indebtedness of some airlines to the Authority, describing it as a major threat to the stability and sustainability of the aviation sector.

He explained that under the new Zero Debt Strategy, airlines would be required to provide Advance Payment Guarantees (APG) to the NCAA as part of efforts to enforce accountability and curb rising debt profiles within the industry.

According to him, the policy is designed to promote financial responsibility, ensure operational efficiency, and align with the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda and the strategic reforms championed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo. SAN.

The retreat was coordinated by the NCAA Directorate of Finance and Accounts (DFA), led by Mr Olufemi Odukoya, in collaboration with Javier Technologies Limited.