Reforms to Nigeria’s Aviation Industry Emerge Amid Growing Concerns
Senator Fatai Buhari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, has announced that the Senate is working on a bill aimed at regulating the activities of airlines in Nigeria, particularly to reduce the number of routes operated by carriers with three or fewer aircraft. The proposed legislation aims to address the bitter experiences faced by passengers, which are largely attributed to the lack of code-sharing among Nigerian airlines.
Speaking at the South-West Regional Air Transportation Summit 2024 in Lagos, Buhari emphasized the importance of Nigerian airlines adopting code-sharing, a practice common in developed nations. He urged operators to support the bill, which will ensure that airlines with fewer than four or five aircraft are assigned specialized routes.
Industry players have also called for a total overhaul of the sector’s policies to drive growth and development. They advocate for the establishment of a special aviation development fund to support infrastructure development, safety enhancements, and human capacity building.
Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, Executive Director of the Alternative Bank, emphasized the need for consistent policy formulations and executions to mitigate the growth of the sector. He appealed to participants to encourage public-private partnerships in airport infrastructure, air navigation services, and aircraft maintenance.
Oluseyi Ogunleye, a former United States Transportation Security Administration Representative and Attaché to West Africa, emphasized the critical role the NCAA plays in harnessing global aviation opportunities to drive national economic growth. He emphasized the importance of an inclusive regulatory dialogue to overcome challenges and unleash the sector’s full potential.
As the Nigerian aviation industry faces significant challenges, stakeholders are urging the government, industry stakeholders, and the general public to work together to chart a bold, transformative course for the sector’s growth and development. With a shared commitment to progress and national economic growth, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority can drive impactful change and unlock a prosperous future for all Nigerians.