The Federal Government of Nigeria along with aviation stakeholders, have been urged to adopt a forward-thinking approach to revitalize Nigeria’s aviation sector by adopting strategic reforms. Speaking at its Q3 Business Breakfast Meeting in Lagos, the President of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju, rtd., acknowledged the progress marked by the activation of the Cape Town Convention Practice Directions, a move that has elevated investor trust and simplified aviation asset recovery.
However, he expressed concern over persistent obstacles like high ticket prices, inflationary pressures, and governance gaps threatening the sector’s long-term sustainability. “Climate change, carbon emissions, and artificial intelligence in aeronautical management demand urgent attention. These issues, coupled with rising inflation and volatile exchange rates, threaten the sector’s survival,” he cautioned.
Proposed Solutions to Revive the Sector:
- Fuel Cost Relief: Tax breaks for Jet A1 fuel production to slash operational expenses.
- Access to Credit: Establishment of an Aviation Finance Bank to provide affordable loans for local operators.
- Regional Connectivity: A Public Service Obligation policy to make air travel accessible in underserved areas.
- Innovation Push: Integration of modern technologies, including drones and electric aircraft, to enhance efficiency and safety.
- Governance Overhaul: Strengthened oversight through agency board appointments to promote accountability.
Onitiju stressed that implementing these strategies would require decisive political will, noting, “Aviation’s role as an economic driver cannot be overstated. We must act decisively to secure its future.”
