NCAA Suspends Services To Air Peace, Ibom, ValueJet, Caverton, 7 Others Over Debts

…We are not aware of service withdrawal, says Arik Air

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has placed 11 domestic airlines on its updated “No-Pay-No-Service” list over unpaid statutory charges, a move that could affect the renewal of key operational approvals, including Air Operator’s Certificates (AOC).

According to an internal memo dated May 22, 2026, the regulator directed all its directorates to suspend regulatory and administrative services to the affected carriers until they clear outstanding debts or agree on repayment terms.

LEADERSHIP reports that the directive means that services linked to certification and oversight, such as AOC renewals, Air Transport Licences (ATL), and Airline Operating Permits (AOP), may be withheld, raising concerns over possible operational disruptions in the aviation sector.

The affected airlines include Air Peace Limited, Ibom Air, Arik Air, ValueJet, United Nigeria Airlines, Umza Air, NG Eagle, Max Air, Caverton Helicopters, Overland Airways, and Rano Air.

At the centre of the dispute is the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and Cargo Sales Charge, which airlines collect on behalf of the NCAA to fund safety oversight, personnel training, and economic regulation in the industry.

The memo, signed by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Olufemi Odukoya, and circulated to regional offices, instructed that no directorate should render services to the listed airlines without financial clearance from the finance department.

It further warned that all services remain suspended pending verification and clearance of outstanding obligations.

While the directive has sparked concerns among industry stakeholders about possible delays in regulatory processes, some affected operators say they are unaware of the order.

Arik Air’s spokesperson, Banji Ola, said the airline had no knowledge of such a directive. In a chat with LEADERSHIP, he said, “I am not aware of any such directive or report.”

Also, attempts to reach Air Peace and Ibom Air representatives were unsuccessful as of press time, and text messages sent to Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema went unanswered. Similarly, spokespersons of Air Peace and Ibom Air, Whisky Efe and Anietie Essienette, also did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

The development has raised fresh uncertainty in the sector, with operators and passengers wary of potential disruptions if the standoff persists.