Aviation fuel pricing, not geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, is the primary challenge facing Nigeria’s aviation sector, according to Alex Nwuba, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Nwuba made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ on Saturday, addressing the ongoing scarcity of aviation fuel and the proposed strike by airline operators.
The threat of a strike on Monday was intended to draw the Federal Government’s attention to the severe difficulties confronting the sector, Nwuba explained. He noted that airlines have experienced fuel price increases that have tripled in recent months. However, unlike some other nations grappling with supply shortages, Nigeria’s situation is not due to a lack of fuel but rather to international pricing dynamics.
Nwuba credited the Dangote Refinery’s local refining capacity for helping to mitigate supply issues within the country. Nevertheless, the global pricing of aviation fuel remains a critical concern, as airlines are unable to raise fares further due to consumer affordability limits.
The aviation sector’s struggle highlights the broader impact of international fuel markets on domestic industries, even where local production exists. The proposed strike underscores the urgency with which operators are seeking government intervention to address the pricing crisis and ensure the sustainability of air travel in Nigeria.
