Tinubu govt pushes Nigeria’s aviation challenges to 2024

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, are set to address longstanding aviation challenges in Nigeria in the upcoming year. The aviation sector grapples with various issues such as infrastructure deficiencies, political interference, safety concerns, financial instability, regulatory hurdles, security threats, high operational costs, flight delays, cancellations, and elevated fares.

Air travelers in Nigeria faced numerous unpleasant experiences in 2024, including arbitrary airfares, mishandling of luggage, inadequate airport waiting lounges, discourteous airline staff, non-implementation of passengers’ bill of rights, and corrupt practices, as highlighted by Captain Ado Sanusi, CEO of Aero Contractor. An ineffective regulatory framework was identified as a significant setback for the industry in 2023, while differing opinions pointed to high-interest rates and operational costs as contributing factors.Data from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority revealed that the country’s aviation sector, in its 65-year history, comprises 20 airports, 23 domestic airlines, 554 licensed pilots, 913 licensed engineers, and 1700 cabin personnel. Despite having Bilateral Air Services Agreements with over 90 countries and being a destination for 22 foreign carriers, Nigeria has yet to fully realize the economic benefits.The Nigeria Air controversy marked a significant event in 2023, with the project’s suspension following revelations that the unveiled airline was chartered from Ethiopia Airline, which held a 49% stake in the project. The aftermath of air crashes and incidents in 2023 raised concerns about the safety of Nigeria’s airspace, particularly as the sector scored 70% in the International Civil Aviation Organisation safety audit, sparking debate among stakeholders.The federal government’s decision to dismiss and replace heads of aviation agencies, coupled with the trapping of international airlines’ funds estimated at $783 million, added to the challenges faced by the industry. Efforts to clear the trapped funds, including quarterly reconciliatory meetings with foreign airlines, have yet to yield complete success, prompting concerns about the potential withdrawal of some foreign carriers.Industry experts, including Captain John Ojikutu and Dr. Alex Nwuba, expressed their views on the challenges facing Nigeria’s aviation industry. Ojikutu emphasized the need for addressing political interference, low audit grading, manpower issues, inadequate oversight, and irregular maintenance. Nwuba acknowledged the turbulence in 2023 but expressed optimism with new leadership emerging in 2024, highlighting efforts to improve the sector’s structure and cooperation between the Minister and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.