Victor Ezeja
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has suspended its plans to hike navigational charges by 800 per cent.
This followed the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThis was disclosed in a statement released on Monday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NAMA, Abdullahi Musa.
Musa explained that the decision followed the Minister’s consideration of the current economic challenges faced by Nigerians. He added that minister stressed the need for consultations to address all concerns before any decision is taken.
“NAMA has suspended the planned increase in navigational charges, which was set to take effect on September 1st due to the current economic situation. Further consultations will be conducted to address all concerns,” part of the statement read.
READ ALSO: Airfare Hike Looms As NAMA Increases Charges By 800%
Prime Business Africa had reported that NAMA Managing Director, Farouk Ahmed Umar, had on Friday, 26 July announced that the agency plans to increase charges for en-route navigation and the extension of hours of service to airlines.
Umar had said en-route navigational charges will be increased from N2000 and N6,000 to N18,000 and N54,000 per flight, while charges for the extension of hours of service to airlines will move from N50,000 to N450,000, representing 800 per cent increase per extension.
He explained that the decision was informed by the need to cover the cost of operations and be able to deliver efficient services.
However, stakeholders raised concerns that the decision to hike the charges could lead to further increase in airfares by airlines both on domestic and international routes, thereby putting the burden on air passengers.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
