The House of Representatives Committee on Finance has directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to recover N18.98 billion owed to the Federal Government by foreign airlines operating in Nigeria within two weeks.

The directive was issued on Tuesday during a committee session focused on reviewing outstanding revenues owed to the Federal Government by agencies and private operators within the aviation sector.

Members of the committee expressed concern over the prolonged delay in recovering the funds, stressing that the revenue is crucial for government operations and infrastructure development.

Lawmakers emphasized the need for immediate action by FAAN to ensure that the outstanding payments are recovered without further delay.

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During the meeting, the committee highlighted the importance of accountability and financial transparency among aviation operators doing business in Nigeria.

The lawmakers noted that foreign airlines benefiting from Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure must meet their financial obligations to the government in line with regulatory agreements and operational requirements.

The committee therefore mandated FAAN to begin immediate recovery efforts and ensure that the full amount of N18.98 billion is paid within the two-week deadline.

Members warned that failure to comply with the directive could lead to further legislative scrutiny and possible sanctions against defaulting operators.

The directive forms part of broader efforts by the National Assembly to strengthen revenue collection and address financial leakages within government agencies.

Lawmakers have recently intensified oversight on revenue-generating institutions to ensure that all monies due to the Federal Government are properly accounted for and remitted.

The aviation sector, which includes airport operations, airline services, and regulatory oversight, has been identified as one of the sectors where improved financial monitoring could significantly boost government revenue.

Committee members stressed that strict enforcement of financial obligations will help strengthen the country’s aviation industry while ensuring that operators contribute fairly to the maintenance and development of airport infrastructure.

FAAN, which manages airports across Nigeria, is responsible for collecting various charges from airlines, including landing fees, parking charges, and other operational payments.

These charges form part of the government’s internally generated revenue from aviation activities.

The committee therefore urged FAAN to work closely with relevant aviation stakeholders to ensure that all outstanding debts are settled promptly.

Lawmakers also reiterated their commitment to maintaining close oversight of government agencies to ensure transparency, efficiency, and responsible management of public funds.

With the two-week deadline now in place, attention is expected to focus on FAAN’s recovery efforts and the response of the affected foreign airlines operating in Nigeria.