The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has given a 15-day ultimatum to all airlines that had demonstrated apathy in remitting the five (5) per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and Cargo Sales Charge (CSC) to the government.
In a final notice, the regulatory authority said it would enforce the provisions of section 27(3) of the Civil Aviation Act if the airlines failed to comply with the directive of remittance of the outstanding payments.
In a statement issued by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Fan Ndubuoke, the organisation said it would take all measures in the Act to enforce the collection of the debts.
Ndubuoke said in addition, the names of the debtor airlines and amount owed shall be published in at least five national dailies.
“The names of the promoters of these airlines, directors and other related parties will be included in the publication upon the expiration of this ultimatum,” it threatened.
“These measures will be taken in furtherance to the Federal Government’s directives on recovery of public debt. It is to be noted that the offending airlines have failed to offset the accumulated debts despite several appeals, reconciliation” meetings, visits and reminders.
The NCAA reminded the airlines that section 12(1) of the Civil Aviation Act. 2006 provides that “there shall continue to be a 5% air ticket contract, charter and cargo sales charge to be collected by the Airlines and paid over to the Authority.”
It added: “Importantly, the Authority wishes to inform the general public that the 5% Ticket /Cargo Sales Charge represents charges collected at source from the travelling public by Airlines on behalf of the Civil Aviation Agencies.”
The NCAA noted that the non-remittance of the charge is a breach of trust and a violation of the provision.
“Therefore, the Authority is issuing the ultimatum to the operators who have collected but failed to remit same to the Authority to do that within 15 days.
In addition, NCAA will continue to implement the “no payment no service” financial policy to ensure complete clearance of the indebtedness to the Authority”.
