By Ayo Ayodele
A fresh industrial crisis may be brewing in Nigeria’s aviation sector as aviation workers have given airline operators and other organisations owing statutory Ticket Sales Charges (TSC) a seven-day ultimatum to clear their outstanding debts or face nationwide picketing.
The ultimatum was jointly issued by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) following the expiration of an earlier 14-day notice served on July 8, which ended on July 23 without compliance by the affected operators.
The five per cent Ticket Sales Charge is a statutory levy deducted from every airline ticket sold in Nigeria. It is expected to be remitted to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for distribution among aviation agencies to support their operations and financial obligations.
According to the unions, airline operators had been responsible for collecting and remitting the levy but have failed to meet their obligations, depriving aviation agencies of critical funds.
In a statement signed by ATSSSAN General Secretary, Frances Akinjole, and NUATE Deputy General Secretary, Odinaka Igbokwe, the unions condemned what they described as the persistent refusal of airlines and other defaulters to remit the charges.