The Federal Government has approved a 30 per cent discount on debts owed by domestic airlines to aviation agencies, in a move aimed at easing financial pressure on the aviation sector and preventing operational disruptions.
The approval was communicated by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who said President Bola Tinubu granted the relief after consultations with stakeholders in the industry.
According to the minister, the decision affects charges owed by airlines to key aviation agencies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
Keyamo explained that the intervention is part of broader efforts to stabilise the sector following rising operational costs, especially the sharp increase in aviation fuel prices, which had raised concerns about possible airline shutdowns.
The government also said further measures are being considered, including a review of taxes and charges embedded in airfares, to reduce the burden on airlines and passengers.
Officials noted that the debt relief is intended to provide immediate financial breathing space for carriers while longer-term reforms are being developed to strengthen the aviation industry.
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