TSC Crisis: Aviation Unions Gear Up for Airlines Picketing

Aviation unions have issued a final seven-day notice to airlines over the alleged non-remittance of the statutory 5% Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and are preparing to commence picketing if the debts remain unpaid. While the unions say the unpaid funds threaten aviation safety and workers' welfare, the Airline Operators of Nigeria have rejected the planned action and warned against any disruption of flight operations.

Daniel Momodu · August 4, 2026 · 13

Nigeria's aviation sector is facing the threat of industrial action as the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) prepare to begin picketing defaulting airlines over the alleged non-remittance of the statutory five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC). The unions issued a fresh seven-day ultimatum after an earlier 14-day deadline expired without compliance.

The unions accused the affected airlines of failing to remit billions of naira collected from passengers on behalf of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other aviation agencies. According to them, the continued non-remittance has deprived the agencies of funds needed to maintain safety oversight, critical operations and workers' welfare, creating what they described as a serious safety and security risk.

In a joint notice signed by ATSSSAN General Secretary Frances Akinjole and NUATE Deputy General Secretary Odinaka Igbokwe, the unions warned that if the outstanding debts are not settled within the new deadline, they would commence picketing at the premises of the defaulting airlines. They insisted they could no longer remain passive while aviation agencies continue to suffer financial constraints.

Reacting to the threat, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) rejected the planned action, arguing that the unions have no authority to intervene in matters relating to TSC remittances. The airline operators maintained that discussions on the issue are ongoing with the NCAA and warned that any disruption of flight operations would unnecessarily inconvenience passengers and further strain an already struggling aviation industry.

Industry stakeholders have expressed concern that if both parties fail to reach an agreement before the ultimatum expires, the planned picketing could disrupt flight operations across the country. The dispute has heightened concerns over the funding of aviation regulatory agencies and the financial challenges facing Nigeria's airline industry.