Nigeria Aviation Sector Faces Critical Challenges: AFARN Calls for Decisive Action to Soar to New Heights

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo

For the Aviation sector to take flight and reach its full potential, fuel economic growth and connect people across the nation and beyond, key issues plaguing it most swiftly be addressed.

Some of these issues include perennial scarcity of aviation fuel, high exchange rates, resolution of funds owed to foreign airlines, safety compliance and infrastructure and human capacity development.

This was the recent call by the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria (AFARN) at a news conference in Lagos.

The rising cost and shortage of aviation fuel popularly called JET A1 have led to increased expenses for airlines and higher ticket prices for travelers.

Currency rate fluctuations, along with outstanding debts to foreign airlines, further complicate the financial stability of the industry.

President, Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma underscored the crucial role aviation plays in national development and urged the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Mr Festus Keyamo to address these challenges decisively. 

“To take a very bold step in finding lasting and permanent solutions and to also as a referee to do as much as he can do to make sure that to move the industry forward”.

He also stressed the importance of unwavering commitment to safety regulations, robust infrastructure upgrades, and the optimization of human capital in the aviation sector.

“Hopefully the new government should look into and make sure that all our airports are world’s standards and also make sure that, whatever mistakes we made in the past are properly rectified so that we don’t be laughing stock”.

Regarding funds owed to foreign airlines, Dr. Nwokoma suggested a solution to prevent the accumulation of non-remitted funds by proposing quarterly transfers. 

He expressed concern that the recent release of $61 million out of the owed over $800 million was insufficient.

“You all know that is why the tickets are expensive, this is the fallout. If all countries are defaulting like Nigeria, there will be no one airline that would come to Nigeria. The truth is that, if it continues like this, the airlines might not have a choice than to go”.

The AFARN’s president reiterated there readiness to collaborate with the administration in the short, medium, and long term. 

He emphasized the necessity of stakeholder cooperation for the enhancement of the aviation sector.