The House of Representatives has initiated steps to recover over $7 billion allegedly owed to the Federation Account by foreign airlines operating in Nigeria since 2023.
Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Abiodun Faleke, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during the flag-off of the 2023–2025 revenue monitoring review of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Faleke, who represents Ikeja Federal Constituency in Lagos State, raised concerns over mounting debts owed by both foreign and domestic carriers following submissions by FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku.
FAAN Revenue Performance Under Scrutiny
Kuku informed the committee that of the N25.86 billion owed by airline operators in 2023, FAAN was able to recover N8.08 billion—about 31.25 percent—leaving an outstanding balance of N17.78 billion. She did not disclose figures for 2025 recoveries.
Documents presented to lawmakers showed that FAAN generated N191.43 billion out of an approved revenue target of N292.93 billion for the period under review, representing 65.35 percent performance and a shortfall of N101.5 billion.
The FAAN boss explained that the debts involve both local and international airlines, including defunct carriers. She added that remittances from foreign airlines are processed through the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which she said has contributed to delays in payments.
Lawmakers Demand Full Disclosure
Lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations, citing Nigeria’s rising public debt profile and continued borrowing to fund the national budget. They also questioned discrepancies in FAAN’s revenue records and accounting framework.
Faleke stated that when President Bola Tinubu assumed office, over $7 billion was already owed by international carriers.
“We want a full record of all your debts in 2023, 2024, and 2025. When the call is made, we want to know those who are owing,” he said.
He further demanded comprehensive passenger data, including the number of airlines operating in Nigeria, total flights received within the period under review, and passenger manifests.
The committee subsequently directed FAAN’s management to reappear with a detailed statement of indebtedness covering 2023 to 2025, alongside manifests of both foreign and domestic operators.
Growing Concerns Over Remittances
Airlines operating in Nigeria are mandated to remit statutory charges to the Federal Government through FAAN and other aviation agencies. These include landing and parking fees, passenger service charges, terminal navigation fees, and other regulatory levies.
However, persistent delays in remittances and the accumulation of unpaid obligations—particularly by defunct domestic carriers and foreign airlines using international clearing systems—have remained a longstanding concern.
The recovery move signals intensified revenue oversight by the House Committee on Finance amid broader efforts to boost government earnings and reduce fiscal leakages.
