The controversy over the sharing formula for the Ticket Sales Charge in the aviation sector has taken several turns, with stakeholders divided over whether the solution lies in allocating a larger share to safety agencies or in first subjecting their funding needs to an independent assessment of efficiency and infrastructure.
This was as our correspondent gathered the thoughts of concerned industry experts, who have expressed concern over the growing tension in the industry resulting from the TSC sharing formula.
While some stakeholders argue that the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency requires a larger share of the aviation levy to keep critical navigation and air traffic control infrastructure operational, others caution that increased funding without demonstrated efficiency could amount to throwing more money at an underperforming system.
Experts say across agency lines, the government should ensure discreet investigations into the spending of the agencies.
Former Group Captain at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, John Ojikutu (rtd.), said NAMA’s responsibilities and operating costs justified a review of its share of the TSC, arguing that the agency provides essential services that underpin the safety of virtually every flight operating through Nigerian airspace.
