By Sade Williams
In a bid to put an end to Airlines indebtedness from the 5% Ticket Sales Charge/Cargo Sales Charge(TSC/CSC), to Aviation Agencies, the Federal Government has given January 1, 2017 as the deadline for Airlines operating in the country to automate their remittance / payment systems forthwith.
The automation system is being introduced to ensure transparency, accurate billing and prompt payments of charges due from the Airlines to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in line with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations(NCARs) 2015, Vol.2, Part 18.12.5.
NCARs 2015 states thus; “all domestic and international airlines operating in Nigeria shall forward to the Authority through an electronic platform provided by the Authority, all relevant documents such as flown coupons, passenger or cargo manifest, air way bills, load sheets, clients’ service invoices and other documents necessary for accurate billing within forty – eight (48) hours after each flight”.
According to the Authority, ‘It is pertinent to point out that this directive has the full backing of the Federal Government for full implementation and strict compliance’.
It is now being handed down after due consultations with the Airlines and other stakeholders on the desirability of the operators to join the automation platform for the collection of 5% TSC/CSC on the airlines operations.
It follows therefore that the Airlines are by this directive requested to join the platform on or before 1st of January 2017 or face appropriate sanctions in event of failure.
The Authority said in a statement signed by Sam Adurogboye, General manager, Public Relations, NCAA, that the operators are in addition, mandated to work with First Bank of Nigeria FBN / AVITECH (FG approved NCAA Consultant on the automation) for the purpose of immediate implementation.
“In as much as it is not the plan of the Authority to regulate any Airline out of existence, NCAA would no longer be prepared to tolerate non remittance of its dues again as such a conducted would be viewed seriously”, it stated.
