The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says Nigerian carriers are finally challenging decades of foreign dominance on the Lagos–London route, marking a new phase in the nation’s aeropolitical evolution.
Speaking at a PR forum in Lagos, NCAA Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, represented by Lagos Regional Manager Barr. Oluwabukola Teriba, said the struggle for space on the London corridor reflects national pride as much as competition.
He noted that international aeropolitics is a power contest in which only airlines backed by strong regulation, diplomacy and infrastructure can survive.
Najomo said Air Peace’s entry into the London market shows that Nigerian airlines can succeed on routes once controlled entirely by foreign operators. He acknowledged challenges such as unfavourable bilateral agreements and structural constraints but reaffirmed NCAA’s commitment to ICAO-compliant safety standards that enhance the credibility of local carriers.
He stressed that sustaining Nigeria’s presence on major international routes requires coordinated support from government, regulators, diplomats and industry stakeholders. With its large market and skilled workforce, he said Nigeria has the capacity to excel if all actors unite behind a clear strategy.
Najomo added that while global aeropolitics is tough, Nigeria must approach it confidently, noting that with collective effort, long-term success for Nigerian carriers on the London route is achievable.
Reporting by Nosa Aituamen