IKEJA- The Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Capt. Ado Sanusi, has said that the agency was set to implement the new Terminal Navigation Charges (TNC).

The new charges, comprising route charge, approach and aerodrome control charge and an airline charge, were hinged on ICAO regulations and the agency’s enabling laws.

Sanusi spoke in Ikeja against the backdrop of threats by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to resist the charges.

The charges have pitched the agency against the AON, the umbrella organisation of domestic airlines, over the last two years..

“We have to implement the Federal Government’s directive,” Sanusi told newsmen in Lagos.
He, however, explained that there would be consultations with the AON before the implementation.
Sanusi said that NAMA had already received approval from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to commence collection of the charges from last month.

NAMA, which is grappling with financial challenges, projects an estimated revenue of N500 million annually from the charges.

At present, the power situation in the country has put more pressure on the agency’s finances, having to run 120 generators day and night nationwide.

NAMA had on Tuesday announced that its bid to commence collection of the TNC had been approved by the Minister of State for Transportation (Air), Mr. Felix Hyat.

Hyat, on assumption of office, had advised NAMA to tarry until the issue was re-visited, following the gridlock over its Jan. 1, 2008 commencement date.

AON Secretary-General, Capt. Mohammed Joji, told NAN today that airlines who were already contending with huge operational costs, still had some contentious issues at the Supreme Court concerning the charges.

He said that until the case was determined, the position of the airlines would not change.

Sanusi also said NAMA was working to improve the communication system in the nation’s airspace with support from international aviation organisations.