The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency has urged the Federal Government to suspend the 50 per cent revenue deduction currently applied at source to its internally generated funds, warning that the practice could disrupt the agency’s operations and compromise air passenger safety.

NAMA has repeatedly called for the halt of the mandatory deduction, stressing the urgent need to upgrade and modernise the ageing navigational equipment used nationwide.

The appeal was made during the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association held in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Managing Director of NAMA, Ahmed Farouk, identified funding as the agency’s most urgent challenge, stressing that the revenue deductions severely limit its capacity to maintain and upgrade the critical infrastructure needed for safe and efficient airspace management.

Farouk said, “The most significant constraint we face today is funding. This challenge is significantly exacerbated by the deductions-at-source of between 30 per cent and 50 per cent from NAMA’s internally generated revenue. While we understand the fiscal realities facing the government, these deductions are hindering our ability to execute vital projects.”

The NAMA chief added that the agency’s operations—especially the continuous need for facility modernisation and statutory maintenance—require consistent funding.

He argued that deducting half of its earnings leaves minimal resources for reinvestment into the systems that ensure airspace safety and operational efficiency.

The agency also appealed to the government to grant a waiver on the deductions, describing it as a potential game-changer for the aviation sector.

NAMA stated that if the waiver is approved, the funds would be redirected toward critical infrastructure, modern technology, and workforce development.

He stated, “The Honourable Minister, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, while we celebrate these achievements, we must also be candid about our challenges. Our most significant constraint remains funding. The scale of facility modernisation and the relentless cycle of statutory maintenance required to uphold the highest degree of safety and operational efficiency are capital-intensive.

“This challenge is significantly exacerbated by the deductions-at-source of between 30 per cent and 50 per cent made directly from NAMA’s internally generated revenue. While we understand the fiscal pressures on the government, these deductions severely limit our capacity to undertake the comprehensive projects our airspace demands.

“Therefore, from this esteemed platform, I wish to make a heartfelt appeal to the Federal Government to graciously consider a waiver of these deductions. Such a gesture would be a game-changer for Nigerian aviation safety. It would allow NAMA to reinvest every Naira of its earnings into critical infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and the continued development of our human capital, the very ‘Human Edge’ we are here to discuss.”

NAMA also reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and professional development of its personnel, particularly Air Traffic Controllers, whom it described as the custodians of Nigerian airspace.