Industry leaders are calling for immediate reforms and strategic policies to address the deterioration of Nigeria’s aviation sector, which they say is facing an existential threat.
During a quarterly Business Breakfast Meeting in Lagos on Thursday, stakeholders, including members of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ARTSI), stressed the need for a conducive environment where aviation businesses can thrive, ensuring a return on investment.
The President of ARTSI, Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju (rtd), urged the government to reassess its policies and reduce operational costs for airlines by eliminating multiple taxes, lowering interest rates, and enhancing safety and competitiveness. He acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, in activating the Cape Town Convention, which has improved Nigeria’s standing with international lenders and investors.
Despite these efforts, Onitiju pointed out that challenges remain, including high airfares, reduced purchasing power, and the need for better coordination between the aviation sector and other government agencies. He recommended measures such as the establishment of an Aviation Finance Bank, single-digit lending rates, tax exemptions for local refineries producing Jet A1 fuel, and strengthening aviation regulatory bodies. Onitiju also called for the integration of new technologies, such as drones and electric aircraft, and the protection of local airlines against the negative impacts of Open Skies and AfCFTA agreements.
Additionally, the stakeholders urged the government to prioritize human capital development and suspend certain operational charges to ensure the growth and sustainability of the sector.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) announced it would soon reintroduce the controversial $300 landing fee for helicopter operators, citing financial constraints. The fee, which was previously suspended by the federal government, will be reinstated in the coming weeks despite previous opposition from the helicopter operators and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), who argue there is no legal basis for the fee.
As the aviation sector continues to face mounting challenges, stakeholders have emphasized the need for a bold, coordinated approach to secure the industry’s future and foster growth in Nigeria’s broader economy.
