MOGADISHU — Somalia’s aviation sector is facing renewed scrutiny after financial oversight findings reportedly identified a $3.27 million discrepancy between expected government revenues from an airport concession and funds recorded in the state treasury.
According to the audit findings, airport concessionaire Favori LLC reported approximately $29.71 million in revenue in 2025. Under the reported revenue-sharing arrangement, the Federal Government was expected to receive around $7.43 million.
Government treasury records, however, reportedly show receipts of only $4.15 million, leaving a difference of approximately $3.27 million.
The discrepancy has prompted questions over the effectiveness of Somalia’s concession-revenue collection and monitoring systems. Auditors have emphasized concerns about the completeness and accuracy of reported government earnings.
The findings also point to wider weaknesses in procurement oversight. Several contracts reportedly worth more than $2.07 million were not registered with federal oversight institutions as required under public financial management regulations.
Further concerns have been raised over the leasing of government property by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation without competitive bidding procedures. Some private beneficiaries were also reportedly found to have outstanding tax obligations.
The financial findings come as Somalia continues efforts to modernize aviation infrastructure, including air traffic control and safety systems at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu.
Auditors have called for stronger internal controls, improved contract registration and tighter monitoring of public revenues. They have also recommended integrating civil aviation revenue-collection systems into the government’s central financial management platform.
The reported discrepancy does not by itself establish direct personal liability for aviation officials, but it has intensified calls from lawmakers and civil society groups for greater transparency and accountability in Somalia’s aviation sector.
Federal oversight bodies are expected to continue reviewing the findings as pressure grows for government institutions to comply fully with public procurement and financial management laws.
