Nigerian Airlines' Global Future Hinges on Policy & Partnerships, Says Demuren

Dr. Harold Demuren, former Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), recently addressed stakeholders in Lagos, emphasizing that Nigerian airlines cannot achieve international success without robust policy backing and strategic partnerships. Demuren highlighted the prevailing issue of foreign airlines dominating Nigerian routes, leading to significant capital flight as revenue generated from ticket sales by international carriers is repatriated. He cited Ethiopian Airlines as an example, which at one point earned nearly 50 percent of its revenue from ticket sales in Nigeria, underscoring the scale of this economic drain.

To counter this imbalance, Demuren advocated for several key interventions. He stressed the necessity for Nigerian carriers to engage in interlining and partnerships, supported by strong government backing and fair pricing structures. Policy interventions, such as the proposed "Fly Nigeria Act" — which would mandate government officials to use Nigerian carriers for international travel — and the renegotiation of Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) to ensure mutual benefit, are deemed crucial. Demuren underscored that the Nigerian government must actively protect and support its local airlines, including Air Peace, which operates the lucrative London route.

Beyond external support, Demuren also outlined internal requirements for Nigerian airlines. He urged domestic carriers to implement frequent flyer programs and emphasized the importance of creditworthiness, operational reliability, and sound corporate governance for international operations. Airlines must comply with International Air Transport Association (IATA) safety, security, and financial requirements, including being clearing house compliant. He warned against the pitfalls that led to the demise of Nigeria Airways, such as a lack of continuity in management and failure to meet international obligations.

Concluding his assessment, Demuren asserted that Nigeria can only succeed in global aviation by transforming aeropolitics into a coherent national strategy. He called for Nigerian airlines to build alliances and leverage the country's high-value routes, stressing that while competition is inevitable, strategic policies and government support will enable local carriers to compete effectively and win on the international stage.