Experts in the aviation sector have called on the Federal Government to review its air services agreements with many countries and airlines to protect domestic carriers.
In interviews in Lagos, Captain Dele Ore, former president, Aviation RoundTable and TaiwoAdenekan said the air agreements were structured in favour of foreign carriers.
He said the multiple entry points granted foreign carriers would contribute to the demise of many indigenous carriers.
They said until the government reviewed its 78 bilateral air agreements, Nigeria would not get enough gains.
Adenekan canvassed the bidding of all route frequencies for carriers that have the capacity to operate them and return money to government over a period of time rather than the pittance they pay as royalties.
Adenekan, an aviation consultant and Chief Executive Officer of PDT Consulting, said Nigeria should try as much as possible to protect its domestic carriers from bigger foreign airlines who easily capitalise on various air treaties to prey on them.
He expressed disappointment at the government’s generosity in granting both extra frequencies and entry points to foreign airlines at the detriment of domestic carriers.
He said: “We have multiple entries in this country. Ticket sales alone last year ran into billions of naira.