Lagos: Nigeria’s aviation industry began in the 1930s with the establishment of the first airlines and airmail services. Over the years, the sector has shown resilience and adaptability through various challenges, including economic fluctuations and safety concerns before and after independence.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, ongoing investment in infrastructure, safety, and service quality remains essential for sustainable development while the industry continues to grow. Experts highlight that the aviation sector in Nigeria has undergone significant transformation since the country gained independence in 1960.
Mr. Abdulmalik Jibreel, Manager at Aero Contractors, Abuja, shared insights into the sector’s evolution. He noted the significant role played by the British colonial administration, with companies like West African Airways Limited and later British Airways operating in the region. After gaining independence, Nigeria established its national carrier, Nigeria Airways, in 1959, which became the principal airline, connecting the country to international destinations.
Jibreel mentioned the government’s investment efforts in aviation infrastructure, including airports and air traffic control systems. However, from the 1980s to the 1990s, the sector faced challenges due to mismanagement and economic instability. In the late 1980s, deregulation led to an influx of private airlines, though many struggled due to poor infrastructure and competition.
By the 2000s, the Nigerian Government pursued reforms to improve safety and service quality, notably establishing the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in 2006 to regulate the industry effectively. Several airlines were liquidated or merged to consolidate the industry.
Jibreel highlighted that from 2010 to the present, the aviation sector has seen gradual improvements, with airport upgrades and the introduction of modern aircraft. However, global economic conditions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have impacted operations.
He provided a list of current airlines, including Air Peace, Arik Air, Dana Air, and others, alongside defunct ones like Nigeria Airways and Bellview Airlines. This reflects a dynamic landscape with both successful operations and challenges in maintaining viable services.
Group Capt. John Ojikutu, former Commandant of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, criticized the sector’s infrastructure development without corresponding growth. He questioned the longevity and impact of Nigeria Airways and other airlines, highlighting the lack of progress due to frequent leadership changes.
Mr. Obafemi Bajomo, Special Adviser on Foreign Direct Investment to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, emphasized the vision of Minister Festus Keyamo to transform Nigeria’s aviation sector into a regional hub. Keyamo’s vision includes modernizing the industry to comply with global standards, correcting decades of underperformance, and building a sustainable aviation ecosystem.
Keyamo’s policy actions focus on improving compliance, safety standards, consumer protection, and anti-corruption measures. He has boosted compliance with the Cape Town Convention, enhancing investor confidence and potentially lowering airfares.
Efforts to eliminate illegal charter operations and improve infrastructure are underway, including renovating the old terminal of MMIA in Lagos and constructing a new runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Plans to concession airports aim to attract private-sector investment.
Keyamo has mediated the release of trapped funds for international airlines and supported the development of indigenous Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities to reduce reliance on foreign services.
Stakeholders acknowledge that 65 years after independence, Nigeria’s aviation sector remains a work in progress. Despite challenges, the industry has shown resilience and potential. With concerted efforts, Nigeria can unlock its aviation potential, enhancing global connectivity and contributing to the nation’s economic diversification.