The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has announced the suspension of its previously proposed 800% increase in navigational charges, following an intervention by Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The decision to pause the dramatic hike, which was initially set to take effect, was communicated by Abdullahi Musa, NAMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, in a statement issued on Monday.
Musa clarified that the agency’s reversal was made in compliance with Keyamo’s directive, who recognized the severe economic strain currently affecting many Nigerians.
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The original proposal, revealed last Friday, aimed to increase navigational charges by 800%, a move that generated substantial concern and criticism from both passengers and aviation industry stakeholders. The sharp rise in fees had been expected to impact flight costs and overall travel affordability.
Musa’s statement highlighted that the Minister of Aviation emphasized the necessity of additional consultations before any new charges are imposed. Keyamo’s intervention reflected a broader awareness of the economic challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians and a commitment to ensuring that such significant changes would not exacerbate financial difficulties.
The minister’s directive underscores the importance of balancing necessary fiscal measures with sensitivity to the economic realities experienced by the public, ensuring that any adjustments to navigational charges are introduced in a manner that considers the current economic context.
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