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The Nigerian Aviation Industry is currently experiencing a significant transformation driven by a comprehensive 5-point agenda set forth by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
This agenda aims to enhance the industry’s value chain, although some goals have been achieved while others remain a work in progress.
Upon assuming office, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, introduced a five-point agenda designed to drive growth and development in the sector. This agenda includes:
Strict Compliance with national laws and international obligations, improvement and Development of Infrastructure to enhance passenger convenience and optimization of Revenue Generation.
Mr. Keyamo emphasized his mandate to stimulate business activities, attract investors, and enhance safety through infrastructure upgrades and modernization, aligning with the administration’s renewed hope agenda.
To achieve these ambitious goals, new heads of aviation agencies were appointed and required to sign performance bonds. Mr. Keyamo made it clear that non-performing executives would be dismissed, reflecting the administration’s zero tolerance for inefficiency.
“I will not tolerate non- performance, if you think your aim is to make money in public office resign today”.
Addressing Challenges and Achieving Milestones
To gain support, Mr. Keyamo engaged with various stakeholders to identify and address the challenges within the aviation ecosystem.
A significant issue was the abandoned runway maintenance at Lagos International Airport.
In 2022, during routine maintenance, the airfield lighting was stolen, leading to international flight diversions.
This issue was resolved within a few months as the contractor resumed work, a critical step for flight safety according to Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
“We made sure that the runway was up and running and we are also able to make sure that all of the approach lights and other lightning were up and running. In terms of major infrastructure upgrades, we’ve been able to do that and we’ve really spent a lot of time assessing and really just prioritizing where we need to make some infrastructure upgrades”.
Another notable achievement was securing the project for a second runway at Abuja Airport after resolving compensation issues with the host community.
Enforcement and Regulation
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA with the backing of the Ministry also cracked down on private jet operators and airline companies violating safety standards.
Sanctions were imposed on violators, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to safety and regulation.
Captain Chris Najomo, Acting Director General of Civil Aviation, emphasized enhanced surveillance and consumer protection as part of the 2024 project.
“No fewer than three private operators have been found to be in violation. In line with our zero tolerance for violation of regulations, the authority has suspended the PNCF of these operators”.
Enhancing Airline Operations
To stimulate airline activities and generate foreign exchange, the Federal Government supported the return of Nigerian airlines on the Lagos-London route, notably with Air Peace.
This move has significantly reduced airfares on the route, a development praised by Dr. Gbenga Olowo, former President of the Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative (ASRTI).
“One positive development was the entrance of Air Peace to London, it’s memorable and I salute that progress”.
The government also succeeded in encouraging more foreign airlines to resume operations in Nigeria, addressing issues like trapped funds in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.
The Aviation Minister’s visits to the UAE, US, UK, France, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Turkey amongst others were pivotal in negotiating these returns and securing commitments from aircraft manufacturer Airbus to support Nigerian operators.
Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Mr. Ahmed Farouk says, a positive signs of better days ahead.
“If you look at the first three months, there is a direction, it is clear that we are heading to a positive end”.
Looking Forward
While stakeholders commend these efforts, they note that a year is too short to fully evaluate the impact on such a sensitive sector.
Chairman, Association of Aviation Training Organizations of Nigeria, AATON, Mr. Bankole Bernard says, the first year of the administration in the industry was a period of learning of the minister of what Aviation is all about.
“The very first year, he has spent it learning what aviation is, so, nothing has been done yet”.
Former Managing Director, NAMA, Mr. Nnamdi Udoh says, the minister still has three years to make a mark and must be in a hurry to do so.
“It is too early for me to say there is achievement, have you seen any mark? I think they should wake up, they should be in a hurry”.
Group Captain John Ojikutu retired says, the minister should allow the agency heads do their job and stop interfering.
“For me, I haven’t seen much progress. I haven’t seen much progress. The Minister should take his hands off the statutory functions of the responsible regulatory and service agencies”.
The aviation industry faces a tough environment with a changing market and worldwide unknowns.
To keep growing in a sustainable way, the industry needs a clear direction, adaptability, financial resources, and teamwork at every level.
However, it is clear that the administration is deeply committed to its agenda.
The past year has seen significant progress in the Nigerian aviation industry under Mr. Keyamo’s leadership. While some milestones have been achieved, the journey towards a fully transformed and robust aviation sector continues.
The commitment to safety, infrastructure development, and regulatory compliance remains at the forefront, promising a brighter future for Nigerian aviation.