NAN-H-66
Deadline
By Adekunle Williams/Solomon Asowata
Lagos, Dec. 6, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Government has given Jan. 1, 2017 as the deadline for airlines operating in the country to automate their remittance/payment systems forthwith, to the aviation agencies.
The government gave the ultimatum in a statement signed by Mr Sam Adurogboye, General Manager, Public Relations, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on Tuesday in Lagos.
The statement said the move was to put an end to airlines’ indebtedness to the aviation agencies arising from the 5 per cent Ticket Sales Charge/Cargo Sales Charge (TSC/CSC).
It said the automation system was being introduced to ensure transparency, accurate billing and prompt payments of charges due from the airlines to the NCAA.
According to the statement, this is in line with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) 2015, Vol.2, Part 18.12.5.
It said: “the NCARs 2015 states thus that all domestic and international airlines operating in Nigeria should 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 48 hours after each flight.”
The statement said it was pertinent to point out that this directive had 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 per cent TSC/CSC on the airlines operations.
“It follows therefore that the airlines are by this directive requested to join the platform on or before Jan. 1, 2017 or face appropriate sanctions in the event of failure,’’ the statement said.
It added that the operators are further mandated to work with First Bank of Nigeria FBN/AVITECH (FG approved NCAA Consultant on the automation) for the purpose of immediate implementation.
The statement said: “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 conduct would be viewed seriously.’’ (NAN)
WAC/ASO/FF/PIO
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(Edited by Fela Fashoro/Idonije Obakhedo)