Former Director General, Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, Mr. Akin Olateru, has blamed the collapse of many Nigerian airlines on poor airline management and a lack of understanding of aviation economics by those entrusted with running them.
Speaking in an interview with our aviation Correspondent Nosa Aituamen on airline management practices in the country, Mr. Olateru stressed the need for greater professionalism in airline governance, saying leadership positions in the aviation sector should be based on competence and industry expertise, similar to standards applied in the banking industry.
He also renewed calls for a review of multiple taxes and charges imposed on airlines, arguing that lower operating costs could translate to cheaper airfares, increased passenger traffic and stronger growth for the aviation sector.
Looking beyond passenger operations, Mr. Olateru highlighted aviation’s potential to drive economic diversification through cargo transportation.
He urged investment in large-scale commercial farming, saying increased agricultural production would create the cargo volumes needed to support dedicated air freight services, opening new opportunities for both farmers and airlines.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen