The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed its departments to suspend regulatory services to 11 domestic airlines over outstanding financial obligations owed to the agency.
The directive was contained in an internal memo dated Friday, May 22, 2026, and signed by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Olufemi Odukoya.
It was circulated to all directorates and regional offices of the authority, with copies sent to the Director-General of Civil Aviation and other senior officials.
The memo ordered the implementation of a “No-Pay-No-Service” policy against the affected operators until they obtain clearance from the Directorate of Finance and Accounts.
The airlines listed include Air Peace, Ibom Air, Arik Air, United Nigeria Airlines, Max Air, Rano Air, NG Eagle, ValueJet, Overland Airways, Umza Air, and Caverton Helicopters.
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Under the directive, the carriers may be unable to access key regulatory approvals and related services until they settle their outstanding obligations.
The NCAA has not disclosed the total amount owed but is understood to be enforcing statutory remittances due from operators, including charges linked to ticket and cargo sales.
The action comes as Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to face significant financial pressure driven by high aviation fuel costs, foreign exchange volatility, and rising maintenance expenses, which have strained airline operations in recent months.
Operators have already been forced to adjust schedules and suspend certain routes due to escalating Jet A1 prices and limited operational capacity.
The latest move is expected to heighten concerns across the industry over liquidity constraints and the broader sustainability of airline operations if the dispute remains unresolved.