Urgent Reforms: Can Nigeria's Aviation Sector Avoid Collapse?

A coalition of aviation professionals is calling for urgent and comprehensive reforms to stabilize Nigeria’s aviation sector. Experts from various disciplines warn that years of neglect in critical areas could push the industry to the brink of collapse. The core challenges identified include obsolete infrastructure, weak regulatory oversight, and inadequate financing.

Infrastructure and Safety Concerns

A retired airline captain, Muhammed Badamosi, warned about the state of Nigeria’s major airports. He argued that the sector’s development is like taking “one step forward and two steps backwards.” Badamosi stated that infrastructure, financing, and regulatory oversight are no better than a decade ago.

Navigational System Upgrades

A key concern is the reliance on outdated navigational aids. Many major airports still rely on Category II Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and VOR for navigation. Globally, aviation has moved to more advanced Category III systems. Category II ILS is practically useless in severe weather, like harmattan haze or fog.

However, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has been working on upgrades. NAMA previously confirmed that all federal and state-owned airports have at least Category II ILS. Furthermore, the government has been implementing Category III ILS at major hubs like Abuja and Lagos. The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, have received these upgrades.

Airspace Management and Fleet

Badamosi also questioned the effectiveness of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON). The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has maintained that the TRACON system is operational. NAMA stated that the system provides full radar coverage across the airspace. However, NAMA also acknowledged the need for modernization. An upgrade project for the TRACON system is currently underway.

Concerns were also raised about the prevalence of ageing aircraft in the country’s fleet. Recent incidents involving nose-wheel collapses are seen as troubling safety signs.

Regulatory and Financial Roadblocks

Weak regulatory oversight at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was also criticized. Badamosi claimed that aircraft inspectors often stay in their roles too long. This practice allegedly compromises their independence from operators. The original policy was designed to reduce this risk.

On the financial front, federal funding for the capital-intensive sector is deemed inadequate. Badamosi suggested airport concessioning to reduce the government’s financial burden. This step could also improve efficiency and global ratings.

Capacity, Fares, and Taxes

Rising domestic airfares are a major issue for passengers. Travel analyst Lucky George attributed the persistent fare challenge to airline capacity constraints. The Nigerian market serves over 200 million people, but capacity is limited. This supply-demand imbalance drives up ticket prices.

Industry expert Olumide Ohunayo agreed that capacity constraints require serious attention. He called for government support to help airlines acquire more aircraft. Establishing local Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities would also ease costs. These measures would ultimately help drive airfares downward.

Dr. Yinka Folami, President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies, questioned the controversial claim of 18 taxes on airline operators. He insisted that fare increases were due to airline business decisions. Seasonal demand, not government taxes, caused the sharp increases.

Path to Sustainable Growth

Experts stress the need for sustainable financing and strategic partnerships. Airlines should seek partnerships with foreign carriers. Foreign airlines are reluctant to lease aircraft due to the state of local infrastructure. Addressing these issues is crucial to avoid a sector collapse or potential blacklisting.

Ohunayo also emphasized stronger collaboration among airport authorities. He called for the prosecution of unruly passenger cases. This is necessary to curb bad behavior at airports. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.

• Key Recommendations for Reform
  • Concessioning of airports to reduce government financial strain.
  • Government support for aircraft acquisition and local MRO establishment.
  • Stronger regulatory enforcement and prosecution of airport offenders.
  • Sustainable financing and strategic partnerships for domestic airlines.