NCAA Moves to Halt Flight Disruptions as Aviation Unions Strike Over TSC
NCAA Moves to Restore Flights as Unions Protest TSC Remittance
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged aviation unions to suspend their ongoing industrial action over the disputed Ticket Sales Charge (TSC), as the dispute disrupts flight operations and leaves passengers stranded in Lagos and Abuja.
NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, made the appeal on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, asking the unions to return to dialogue while Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo continues efforts to resolve the dispute.
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The N4.03 trillion collected between January and June represents a significant increase from the N3.35 trillion generated during the first five months of the year.
The NCS had set an annual revenue target of N11.074 trillion for 2026, comprising N5.542 trillion from the Federation Account, N1.491 trillion in non-Federation revenue, N2.773 trillion from Import VAT and N1.266 trillion from the four per cent Free-on-Board levy.
The Senate approved the agency's 2026 budget and revenue target on July 8, 2026.
Automation drives revenue collection
Adeniyi said the NCS has reduced reliance on manual processes by introducing standardised rules, risk-based systems, automated valuation references and data-driven targeting.
According to him, the reforms have helped limit revenue leakages while improving the Service's ability to identify risks and process legitimate trade.
The NCS has also adopted Time Release Studies to measure cargo clearance times at ports and borders. The system is designed to identify delays and improve the efficiency of cargo processing.
Revenue performance strengthens fiscal capacity
Higher Customs revenue provides an additional source of government income at a time when Nigeria is seeking to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation.
The increase could give the Federal Government greater capacity to finance public expenditure, including infrastructure and other development priorities, without relying entirely on additional borrowing.
For the construction and housing sectors, the quality and allocation of public revenue remain important because transport infrastructure, utilities and urban infrastructure directly influence the cost and viability of property development.
Trade facilitation remains part of Customs mandate
The NCS says its role extends beyond collecting import duties and taxes.
The Service also supports trade facilitation, generates data for national economic planning and performs border-security functions.
The agency has said its use of Time Release Studies is helping reduce cargo delays and associated costs for businesses, while intelligence-led enforcement targets smuggling and other illegal cross-border activities.
Improved clearance efficiency can benefit businesses that depend on imported machinery, construction materials and other inputs, although the overall effect on prices will also depend on exchange rates, global commodity prices, domestic production and other import-related costs.
N11.074tn target remains in focus
The NCS generated N7.277 trillion in 2025, exceeding its N6.584 trillion target for that year.
The strong 2025 performance provided the basis for the significantly higher 2026 target.
With N4.03 trillion already generated by the end of June, the Service has collected more than one-third of its annual target in the first half of the year. Meeting the full-year target will depend on maintaining revenue performance during the remaining six months.
Customs seeks review of import concessions
The NCS is also seeking a review of Nigeria's import waiver and concession regime.
Adeniyi said the government should assess whether existing incentives continue to justify their fiscal cost and remain aligned with their original economic objectives.
The Service has also called for a post-implementation review of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, arguing that three years of implementation have provided sufficient experience to identify areas that may require adjustment.
Implications for infrastructure and real estate
Stronger Customs revenue could indirectly support the property and construction sectors if additional government resources translate into infrastructure investment.
Roads, ports, power infrastructure and other public facilities influence construction costs and determine how quickly new residential and commercial areas can develop.
Improved trade facilitation could also benefit developers and contractors importing equipment and materials, particularly where faster cargo clearance reduces delays and associated logistics costs.
However, the impact on the housing market will ultimately depend on how effectively increased government revenue translates into productive expenditure.
Outlook
The N4.03 trillion collected by the Nigeria Customs Service in the first half of 2026 signals stronger revenue mobilisation and puts the agency on a stronger path towards its N11.074 trillion annual target.
For Nigeria's wider economy, the combination of automation, improved enforcement and faster trade processing could strengthen both government revenue and commercial activity.
For the housing and construction sectors, the key issue will be whether stronger fiscal capacity and more efficient trade processes translate into sustained investment in infrastructure, lower transaction costs and improved conditions for private-sector development.
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