N10bn debt: NAMA may withdraw air navigation service

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) may soon withdraw its services for some private airlines and state airports over indebtedness.

The agency has given a 30day final demand notice to the debtor airlines and private/ state owned airports to settle all outstanding debts owed to agency.

It was learnt that NAMA is being owed to the tune of N10 billion, a development which is said to be hindering its operations.

The debts accumulated from the provision of air navigation services to the affected state airports and private airlines.

With the demand notice which expires on the 28th of February, 2020 according to the bulletin of the agency issued yesterday, NAMA said it expects all debtors to settle their indebtedness or risk sanctions.

It will be recalled that the affected debtors had earlier been communicated with details of their respective indebtedness to NAMA but have made no tangible efforts to pay.

The said notice read in part, “NAMA hereby notifies debtor private/state owned airport operators and airlines that effective 28th February, 2020, our services will no longer be available for the operation of their airports or airlines as the agency can no longer keep its personnel working at airports without payment.”

In the meantime, the affected debtors have been advised to liaise with the commercial department of NAMA for reconciliation and/ or clarification within the stipulated grace period.