Tag: Airports

Experts in the air travel and airports’ management eco-system have prescribed sustainable models to grow non – flight related sources of revenue for aerodromes littering the country, urging the governments in Africa to adopt a paradigm shift by evolving from public liabilities to private powered prosperity engines.

Speaking in an interview, the Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO), Bi- Courtney Aviation Services Limited, (BASL), Mr Remi Jibodu, said the air travel sector must see airports not just as transit points or places to catch a flight, but as a critical infrastructure playing a vital role in driving economic growth and ensuring national connectivity.

Jibodu said airports as economic engines, trade facilitators,  tourism enablers and job creators have not attracted significant revenues from many sources due to ageing infrastructure, low service efficiency and sub – optimal resource allocation.

The BASL COO said the paradigm could shift if managers of airport terminals address issues bordering on : slow technology adoption, lack of competitive pressure to innovate, pursue hub connectivity thereby providing solutions to concerns not limited to poorly connected trade centres, fragmented airlines and weak interline agreements.

He said : “ There is a need to address funding shortfalls from government sources in order to fix security and safety concerns,  inadequate perimeter fencing, surveillance and emergency response system.

“Government cannot adequately fund airports development as it lacks the capacity to develop them.

‘‘ But, how do we close this gap , it is by shared investment, risks, returns , which should be considered as a win – win. “

He canvassed building on the strength of both the government and investors through policy authority /commercial efficiency as operators continue to seek access to long term capital to ease government’s fiscal burden for the construction of modern infrastructure.

Jibodu said airports could grow their revenue streams if their managers diversify and increase their retail offerings, cargo ,  parking and other hospitality businesse.

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While calling for the adoption of design models driven by scalability / flexibility to foster growth, the BASL Chief Operating Officer said, there is nothing unusual if operators of airports push for management expertise and global best practices as well as operational excellence and efficiency.

Describing the Murtala Mohammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA 2), as as good model of Public Private Partnership (PPP), Jibodu said the terminal’s superior performance in enhancing passenger experience and sustained efficiency should be adopted to transform airport infrastructure.

He said :” The government needs to improve the investment climate as well as the Ease of  Doing Business . There is a need to simplify the processes and procedures for investment in airport projects by offering incentives ,including tax holidays.

“There is a need put in place a  transparent policy and legal  framework to encourage a  performance based concession model with clear key performance and indicators tied to service quality and growth.”

Jibodu said :” In Nigeria, most of the problems we have in the management of airports is the challenge of design of the facility. And if such problem manifest, the operator could play around it , if there is sufficient land for further development. But, if reverse is the case , the operator may be shutting itself out of revenue .

“What then becomes key is for the infrastructure to be designed in such a manner that will enrich revenue sources. But, in real terms, infrastructure design is critical to revenue generation.

 “The other consideration for the airport operator is to create a product that suits the peculiarity of the operating environment and push for improved passenger experience.

And once that is done , the creation of any product must solve a problem in boosting passenger experience.

“In Nigeria, with with the low purchasing power , which is affecting traffic for airlines, the airport operator will not need to push for too much aeronautical charges or fees , but look in the direction of non aeronautical streams of generating revenue .

“To close the widening gap for aeronautical and non aeronautical streams of revenue, airport operators must begin to look in the direction of balancing the ratio of between 70 to 30, or 80 to 20 per cent to around 60 to 40 per cent . So, in what direction should an airport operator look to optimise , it by putting on board strategies / offerings peculiar to each airport, in terms on their location and the business eco – system that can created.

“In Lagos, there are many strategies to to put in place in developing products that will bring people to the airport , who are not necessarily going to board flights.

One of the ways to grow non aeronautical revenue is to put premium on a lot the airport facilities , products that could bring more money.

“Cargo  movement is one key area, by way of logistics, which could spin in ore revenue. Significantly, an airport operator could leverage activating many idle assets , which could be optimised to make money out of them.”

Also speaking , Director of Special Duties, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Henry Agbebire , said the authority has put in place  a dedicated Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee, signaling a renewed drive to attract private sector investment into the nation’s airport infrastructure.

He  said, the newly constituted committee is tasked with developing actionable and realistic incentives to make airport system investments more attractive and feasible for private players.

This move, he  added, reflects FAAN’s commitment to creating a well-structured and transparent framework that ensures mutual benefit for both public and private stakeholders.

 Agbebire stressed the necessity for Nigeria’s aviation sector, experiencing rapid passenger growth and significant infrastructural needs, to strategically collaborate with the private sector.

This, he noted, is vital for ensuring modernisation, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

“The aviation industry in Nigeria is at a turning point”.

“Our airports must evolve into 21st-century facilities that meet global standards, and PPPs offer us the most viable pathway.”

The FAAN director  highlighted the vast opportunities within Nigeria’s aviation sector, including terminal expansion, cargo logistics, renewable energy projects, and advanced passenger-processing technologies.

He  specifically identified cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano as prime for further investment and development due to their growth potential and strategic importance.

He said  FAAN has already initiated engagement with interested investors and is committed to a transparent process that safeguards national interests while delivering value to partners.

“We believe in a PPP model that balances oversight with innovation. The committee we’ve formed is central to building trust and ensuring that both sides benefit meaningfully”.

Calling for robust collaboration  he expressed FAAN’s readiness to support forward-thinking partnerships aimed at transforming Nigeria’s airports into hubs of excellence, connectivity, and economic development.

“Innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity must define the future of our airport system. Through carefully structured PPPs, we can position Nigeria as a key aviation hub on the continent,” he concluded.

The Federal Government is weighing options to assist drive the most practicable model to be  adopted in the concession of some airport terminals across the country.

The new move  by the Federal Government is coming on the heels of renewed agitation by aviation unions, industry experts and the National Assembly on on-going framework to see the project to fruition.

Investigations reveal that discontent is rising in labour quarters over plans by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), and other relevant agencies to conclude the Outline Business Case (OBC), to birth the concession of certain airport terminals.

Threats from three aviation unions which carried out a protest rally on the planned exercise may have jolted the Federal Government.

To starve off any disruption, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development , Mr Festus Keyamo at the weekend met with aviation union leaders in Lagos to extract their buy in on the proposed exercise.

It was not clear if any consensus was reached on the lofty drive  to get the management of some airport facilities into private hands.

Last week, the House of Representatives Committee summoned the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to give update on the status of some concession agreement it signed with private companies.

House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets accused FAAN and its private partners of abusing concession and public-private partnership (PPP) agreements, allegedly denying the government its due revenue.

At an investigative hearing, Committee Chairman Ademorin Kuye,  revealed that some companies continue to operate despite the expiration of their lease and concession agreements with FAAN, without any legal backing or evidence of payment to the concession account.

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As a result, the committee has summoned FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Bunmi Kuku, to address the alleged irregularities in the agency’s PPP arrangements.

Kuye stated that the probe aligns with the committee’s mandate and public concerns regarding PPP abuses in the aviation sector.

The panel directed FAAN’s MD to submit all relevant lease and concession documents to the committee by Thursday, March 6, 2025, and mandated her and the management team to appear before it.

The committee criticized the continued operations of expired concessions as a deliberate attempt to shortchange the federal government and vowed to address the situation.

According to the committee, some of the companies whose concessions have expired but still operating include NAHCO, concession to operate as handling company in all airports in Nigeria, expired since December 2017; Infra Oil Ltd, lease for petrol station, Enugu, expired since November 2023; Jasmine Gardens, lease for recreational garden, Benin, expired since April 2024; Sahara Energy Resources Ltd, lease for construction and operation of aviation fuel depot, Calabar, Owerri and Port Harcourt expired since June 2024 (Calabar and Owerri) while that of Port Harcourt expired in March 2023.

Kuye said while these concessions and several other leases have expired, the companies continue with the operations in the facilities without reviews and necessary payments to the concession account.

He said despite significant amount of money concessionaires and lessees make from toll gates and other services from all Nigerian airports, there is no clear evidence of payment of concession fees, surcharge and other payments accruable to the federal government.

But, some industry experts including : Principal Managing Partner of Av aero Capital, Sindy Foster said it is becoming compelling for the Nigerian government to explore opportunities to develop airport infrastructure through public private partnership.

She said :”Nigeria’s airports require significant capital for modernisation, expansion, and maintenance, but government budgets are often constrained. PPPs can help fix Nigeria’s airport infrastructure gap by attracting private investment to reduce the financial burden on the government.

“Private companies bring expertise in airport management, customer service, and operational efficiency, leading to better service quality. If empowered to make strategic decisions private management can help address issues such as poor maintenance, congestion, and security inefficiencies.

“Many Nigerian airports lack modern terminals, runways, and cargo-handling facilities, through Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) or concession models, private firms can invest in expanding terminals, upgrading runways, and improving technology.

“Private operators can optimise non-aeronautical revenue sources (retail, real estate, advertising) to make airports more financially sustainable. This reduces reliance on government subsidies while improving passenger experience. If s cost recovery model is adopted this would help to offset-set high operator charges which result in higher costs than is conducive to passenger numbers growth.

“Private sector involvement often brings transparency and accountability in airport operations. PPP contracts with clear performance benchmarks can mitigate inefficiencies but requires an avoidance of political interference.

“Private investment can lead to employment opportunities in airport construction, management, and related services. With skills transfer programs from global aviation experts to enhance local workforce capabilities.”

Sindy said modernised airports with transit facilities, combined with appropriate visa policies and processes, will enhance Nigeria’s global connectivity, making the country more attractive for tourism, business, and foreign direct investment (FDI).

The expert said :” By ensuring transparent policies, strong regulatory frameworks, and investor-friendly environments, Nigeria can leverage PPPs to build world-class airport infrastructure and improve its aviation sector’s competitiveness.

“By structuring airport concessions and aviation infrastructure projects as PPPs, the government can attract private investors and international airport operators who have access to cheaper financing. A refined model along the lines used for Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MM2) can be expanded nationwide.”

Aviation unions last week  condemned what they called draft agreement documents being paraded for the concession of some airports in the country without their input.

The unions : Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) voiced their condemnation of the concession document.

 President of NUATE Comrade Ben Nnabue, said the unions learned that the government was going ahead to concession some airports in a manner that was not known to any of them.

“Posterity will not forgive them if they go to represent FAAN and sell FAAN out without calling stakeholders. There is no information that is hidden forever”

Nnabue said in the document that was paraded had in its Full Business Case 50 years and in the agreement 80 years

Nnabue queried if they were buying the land or concessioning adding that management concession was for only five years saying he has never seen any agreement of 80 years.

The NUATE president said: “ They didn’t discuss with us and they are writing issues affecting our members”

The president of ANAP Comrade Adedayo Alale said  said the process of concession of Enugu airport was almost concluded while that of Port Harcourt and Kano have also been planned.

The Federal Government is consolidating its safety driven legacies in the aviation sector as it targets the certification for the Port Harcourt , Enugu and Kano airports by the apex civil aviation regulator ; Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in months ahead.

The drive to have more aerodromes certified by the apex regulator by 2025 is part of the five points agenda by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in the overall aviation sector by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

To drive this, the relevant aviation agencies – NCAA, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and others are working round the clock to scale up their safety management processes and procedures to meet up with the regulatory requirements.

Last year, Abuja and Lagos airports were certified by the NCAA , as the industry recalibrates its safety architecture to improve safety.

Speaking in an interview, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said the authority has rolled out strategies to focus on infrastructure upgrade at airports across the country to step up safety and flight operations at the aerodromes.

She said FAAN is looking at several options, including private sector financing to  close the gap in infrastructure at airports across the country.

She said like other countries, the Federal Government may not have sufficient funds to address the infrastructure gap as it consolidates efforts to attract private sector and other players to assist in providing the needed intervention.

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She said FAAN  requires a whooping N580 billion for the rehabilitation of airports’ runways across the country.

She added that the airports’ runways which were built in the late 70s have outlived their life span.

“N580 billion is required to fix runways across all airports, their life span is between 20 to 25 years but most of the airports were built in 1978.

“Many of FAAN’s facilities, including terminals and runways, are aging and in need of significant repairs and upgrades. This affects operational efficiency and safety, and necessitates substantial investment for modernization. Also,  despite efforts to enhance security at airports, FAAN continues to face challenges in managing security risks, particularly with the increase in air travel and the potential for terrorist activities or other threats at key airport locations. On land Encroachment, due to lack of perimeter fence, the Authority landmass is constantly being encroached on all over the country.

“Obsolete equipment such as old fire tenders, generators, air conditioning systems conveyor lines with worn-out slats, belts and motors, can be found in many airports that have low efficiency and have high maintenance cost.”, she said.

Kuku however said ‘FAAN plans to modernize airport infrastructure by renovating terminals, expanding runways, and upgrading navigational aids. In 2025, the construction of a new and befitting headquarters for FAAN will also be a top priority, providing a centralized and modern facility to enhance operational efficiency. Priority will be given to improving critical facilities at major international airports and enhancing regional airport capacity to meet growing passenger and cargo demands.

“We need to be deliberate about it. So many haphazard jobs and abandoned projects at the airports. The runways require major rehabilitation, “, she said.

The FAAN’ boss also disclosed that the Authority plans to increase its revenue for 2025 by adopting innovative strategies to increase non-aeronautical revenue streams, such as commercial concessions, advertising, real estate development, and cargo operations.

Kuku, who disclosed that N128.7 billion was remitted into the Federation account in 2024, noted that reduction in revenue leakages in 2024 led to about 93% in Net inflows as compared to 2023.

While itemising challenges of the Authority, she lamented that they have impacted its efficiency and operational capacity.

Speaking on its strategic focus areas for 2025, apart from adopting innovative strategies to Increase revenue,  Kuku added that FAAN will also focus on Public Private Partnership to expand investment opportunities and develop un

To ensure compliance with global standards, Kuku disclosed that FAAN will invest in state-of-the-art security systems, including biometric screening and advanced surveillance technologies.

“Staff training on aviation security and safety procedures will be intensified to address emerging challenges and risks in the industry, FAAN will upgrade and maintain e-procurement systems to reduce technical downtimes, we plan to align FAAN’s goals with National Aviation policies and international standards.

“FAAN will integrate environmentally sustainable practices into its operations, focusing on energy efficiency, waste management, and carbon emission reductions. The Authority will collaborate with industry stakeholders to adopt green airport initiatives and promote environmental stewardship. FAAN will prioritize increasing its workforce strength to support growing operations and ensure employee welfare through improved working conditions, comprehensive training, and enhanced benefits,” she added.

State Governments that have constructed airports in their domains are rethinking multiple business models that will drive economic viability for the air transport infrastructure in their jurisdictions

With over hundreds of billions committed into such projects, sober of the States, including Ogun, Ebonyi,  Anambra, Yobe, Akwa Ibom,  Delta and others are engaging consultants on the best model that will increase either passengers/ cargo footfalls into the facilities.

Though Jigawa, Kebbi, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, Ekiti and some states have constructed airports, the viability of such projects has sparked debate in the aviation sector is their viability.

Other supranational entities including : Lagos, Osun, Zamfara , Nassarawa are wrapping up to establish airports in their domains.

At a time the cost of operations is  determining the equipment, airlines deploy to airports, some of the state governments are linking operational and technical deals with local carriers to facilitate flight activities  into and out of aerodromes in their domains.

As indigenous operators lift the return legs of available passengers traffic post yuletide, some state governments, such as Anambra and Ebonyi are engaging carriers to make their aerodromes busy.

Sources familiar with the development said the states are giving all sorts of inducements including friendly airport charges to keep their airport busy.

Sources hinted that Delta State government and Anambra are galvanising their network of high net worth individuals to pull traction for the aerodromes in Asaba and Umueri respectively.

Though big players including: Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines and ValueJet Airlines  are consolidating their expansion plans into frontier New airports, other operators including – Overland Airways, Green Africa and Xejet Airlines as well as Ibom Air and fledging carrier : Umza Airlines are reworking their business  models to tap into the burgeoning value chain.

Ogun State government, sources familiar with the development said, is working round the clock to secure regulatory approval to commercial commercial scheduled flights from its aerodrone in Iperu, Ilisan in Ikenne Local Government Area of the Gateway State.

Speaking on the development, Manager Consultant for the Project, Captain Dapo Olumide   said  the state government was planning to concession some infrastructure of the aerotropolis after completion.

He disclosed that three companies have expressed interest in the concession of the airport.

He noted that the aerotropolis which is expected to have various international aviation is seeing companies jostle for concessional operations.

The airport, which is  located along Iperu-Ilishan road in the Ikenne Local Government area of the state was conceptualized as an aerotropolis, based on its strategic location, being contiguous to the nation’s commercial capital of Lagos.

Speaking during a recent  tour of the facility Olumide said, “But, you know, the concession has to be clarified. A lot of people don’t understand what concessioning is. Like when you hear about Lagos being concessioned, Lagos is not being concessioned. The terminal building is being concessioned, not the airport. The runway will always remain with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).”

“The taxiways will always remain FAAN. But the concession of operations of the terminal building will be concessioned. Same thing here. We are concessioning the infrastructure of the airport. This is slightly different from Lagos in the sense that this is primarily an aerotropolis. And because it is an aerotropolis that makes it more attractive for a concessionaire.”

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He further stated that after concession, the concessionaire has the opportunity to build whatever they want on top of what they have seen here in terms of the runway, the master plan, and the business plan.

“So, for example, if any of you wanted to take the concession of this airport, you’d say, ah, I’ve seen it is an aerotropolis. You have a permit for an aerotropolis. That means I can choose what type of hotels. I can put Marriott here. I can put Sheraton here. I can do how many rooms, which side of the airport should it be. I want to build a swimming pool. I want to do this. Whatever you want to do, you can do because it’s an aerotropolis. That is what makes it attractive to a concessionaire beyond just the terminal.”

Olumide equally explained that airports boost revenue significantly because passenger movement is the primary earner for aerodromes in Nigeria but noted that for a place like the Ogun Airport, revenue will not only come from passengers but from cargo and aerotropolis.

“It is not going to be a primary earner from a passenger perspective. It is going to be a primary earner from cargo and the aerotropolis because you know there is a shortage of housing in Nigeria by and large. You know Lagos is expensive because there is no land. So you build housing estates here, residential complexes, and offices. If you have been to aerotropolis in other parts of the world, you see that DHL, Microsoft have offices there and so on”.

The state commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya alongside his Transportation counterpart, Mr Gbenga Dairo said all support facilities to drive flight operations at the aerodrome are almost completed.

Akinsanya said work on the aerodrome runway has reached an advanced stage, with facilities for air fielding lightning, weather information and being expected.

He said the airport’s runway is the longest in Nigeria measuring four kilometres, with the control tower fitted with the latest technology qualifies the airport as a leading air transport infrastructure.

Akinsanya said the terminal building will be completed and operational by January 2025.

He said: “We already have regulatory approval for chartered flights at Ogun Agro–Cargo International Airport.

The airport will go fully commercial for scheduled flights very soon. We already have enough facilities for fire aerodrome safety cover. The project is 90 per cent completed and is set for flight.

The Federal Government will be investing huge sums on airports and air navigation facilities to boost air safety, sources within aviation agencies have confirmed.

Part of the investments will see many airports both primary and secondary take delivery of flight related equipment, including Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), weather radar doppler, airfield lighting systems and other equipment that leads  aircraft on approach to landing at the runway.

The new drive, a source familiar with the development said, is part of  the  drive by the government to fit airports with the required facilities in line with prescribed international standards.

To lead the initiative, the source said is the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which will be diverting huge funds into landing facilities at some of the aerodromes categorised as “Sunset Airports”.

Sunset Airports only accommodate flights between 6.00 am and 7.00 pm due to absence of airfield lights and other critical air navigation facilities.

Investigations by The Nation revealed that FAAN management has retooled its facilities and personnel to ensure flights are extended between 6.00 am to 10.00 pm at such airports.

The new arrangement was part of the collaboration between FAAN, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), and the apex civil aviation regulator- Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

FAAN, the source said, has also reached out to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), to focus their facilities on airports of critical needs.

Speaking in a recent interview, FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku said the authority will invest more on airside facilities in 2025.

She assured aviation stakeholders of the organisation’s continued focus on improving facilities and services at airports.

She announced plans for additional investments in cooling systems, equipment upgrades, and modernising infrastructure by 2025, underscoring FAAN’s dedication to ensuring that Nigerians take pride in their airport facilities.

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Mrs Kuku said : “  There has been  significant activity that has happened to improve the state of the runways across the nation, both in Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Owerri, Ilorin . We’re also working to improve the airfield lighting. I’m sure in the next couple of weeks, you will see some of the progress, especially for the night operations. There’s been a back and forth as well at Sunrise Sunset Airport.

“So we need to look at our high-priority airports – Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt on the domestic side.

 “On the international side, Lagos, Abuja and Kano are a priority. After that, we focused and looked at our secondary airports. Let us make sure they are safe and habitable. What is required to turn them around is probably a lot more minimal than the rest. We then take our larger airports and we focus on making them a hub.”

 “Over the last few months, we have been working aggressively on improving the state of the runways. We had opened that earlier. We have some issues with Taxiway A and Taxiway B. We have started to work on those. In Abuja, there were some challenges around some of the runways as well as the pavements which we have started to work on.”

Also speaking, Acting Director General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo said collaboration among the agencies will bring about more safety critical facilities at airports.

But, experts have advised the Federal Government to put in place intervention measures to address the deficit in airport infrastructure.

Managing Director, RedStar Express Plc, Aumalu Badamosi Babura has stated that Nigeria will require over $5 billion investment to fix air cargo infrastructure in at least 24 of its airports nationwide.

With such investment, he said Nigeria will  position itself  as one major player in the air cargo/ freight, courier, logistics, and agro-allied value chain,

Babura, who disclosed this in a recent  interview with The Nation, in Lagos said without sufficient investment and intentional policy to drive the growth of air cargo in Nigeria, the expected gains from the eco-system would not be achieved.

While calling for advocacy by industry players to impress on the government to create a more enabling environment for the value chain to thrive, Babura said some intensive intervention, including an estimated $30 trillion lifeline to modernize economic infrastructure in the next three decades remains key in unlocking the huge potential in air cargo business.

Besides the huge capital injection, which could be leveraged through private sector participation, Babura said the federal government must take urgent steps to address lingering challenges affecting the growth and development of air cargo.

• Push for confirmation of NCAA DG

The President of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria (AFARN),

Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma, has called for greater investments in infrastructure and human capital development in the aviation sector emphasizing the importance of supporting local airlines pursuing Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) projects to reduce capital flight.

He said the government needed the input of players in the sector to drive its growth.

The AFARN boss also stressed the need to confirm Capt Chris Najomo who has been leading the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCC) in acting capacity as the substantive NCAA Director-General of the agency.

“A body like the NCAA, the regulator of the aviation industry, should not be politicized given our ratings and commitments as a contracting state in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) conventions,” he said, stressing the need for swift action to prevent disruptions in the industry’s progress.

He urged the government to recognize stakeholders who have contributed to the industry’s development through advocacy for policies that foster collaboration and innovation.

Speaking at a briefing at the Lagos Airport on the state of the air transport sector in the year winding up, Nwokoma highlighted key strides of the air transport in the country this year saying the experienced significant achievements compared to 2023.

Dr. Nwokoma commended stakeholders for their resilience while emphasizing the need for continued improvements to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.

Reflecting on the past year, he noted that the aviation industry has shown remarkable progress, particularly in light of Nigeria’s vast resources.

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He said: “In my humble assessment, I think the industry has fared well, even though I know we can do better given our endowed human, material, and natural resources as a nation,” he said.

Among the year’s milestones was the improvement in Nigeria’s aviation ratings, which rose from 49 per cent to 70 per cent following the adoption of Cape Town Convention (CTC) practice directions.

This move, aimed at reducing operational costs for airlines, he described as a step in the right direction for the industry.

 Nwokoma also commended the Federal Government’s role in facilitating the resumption of Emirates Airlines’ operations in Nigeria and Air Peace’s new routes to London.

For the AFARN president, the relocation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters back to Lagos was celebrated as a decision that eases operational burden for workers and stakeholders.

The industry, he said, also achieved a strong pass mark in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) security audit and maintained industrial peace, which he  attributed to the leadership of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barr. Festus Keyamo.

However, the year according to him is not without its setbacks. The closure of Dana Air operations and delays in appointing a substantive Director-General for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) were highlighted as areas of concern.

The persistent high cost of aviation fuel, coupled with a soaring exchange rate, has impacted passenger and cargo traffic, he said, created challenges for airline operators and cargo consolidators.

The AFARN president announced that the postponed AFARN annual summit would now be held in the first quarter of 2025 and will feature the induction of individuals who have significantly advanced the aviation industry into the AFARN Hall of Fame.

While details of the summit he promised will be communicated to the media and the public in due course.

Nwokoma expressed optimism for the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry while urging all stakeholders to remain steadfast in their expectations.

The certification of Abuja and Lagos Airports by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has far reaching benefits for the country air transport industry, a former spokesman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Yakubu Dati, has declared.

Such a safety and operational endorsement by the apex civil aviation regulatory body – NCAA for Nigeria’s leading aerodromes: Lagos and Abuja Airports, according to Dati, could be described as sufficient evidence that the country’s aviation industry is experiencing a significant resurgence, marked by impressive strides under the leadership of a female Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, a first in the sector’s history.

According to Dati, in less than 11 months, the industry has witnessed the recertification of two major airports, a feat that had been elusive for over four years.

Speaking in a television interview, monitored in Lagos, Dati said the achievement has not only garnered international recognition for Nigeria but has also elevated  its position on the global aviation map.

Besides the certification of the two aerodromes with plans afoot to extend it to other airports, he said the country’s recent successes, including the award of two prestigious accolades at the ACI Airport Council International Conference in South Africa and appointment of Mrs  Kuku as the board chair of the Africa Region of the Airport Council International, ACI,  underscores  the transformative impact of the  new leadership.

“All these are achievements within such a short time for somebody who is coming into a male-dominated industry, but her training in finance and also being not a novice in the aviation sector, have assisted so much because she came with a focus, with a direction”.

According to Dati, the strong factors driving this positive trajectory include a strong emphasis on safety and security by  FAAN’s Managing Director, who  has prioritized training initiatives, investing significant resources in upgrading the aviation training school to international standards.

This commitment to human capital development, Dati said  is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry.

“Within one week in office, the managing director  signed the safety protocol and also has been able to train about 1,400 staff for 2,000 man hours of training in the areas of safety for both staff and stakeholders.

“Now, aviation is a regulated industry, and it operates based on the technicalities of training and when you talk about people, you are talking about an airport where what is key is people, processes , and procedures. You have the people, they need the process, they need the technology, and that’s where training comes in, so prioritizing training has been able to make her work easier and in such a short time, the early fruits are already dropping for everybody to see and to the celebration and acclaim of everybody.

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“The recertification of airports, a rigorous process aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization standards, is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to meeting global aviation benchmarks.

“While two airports have already been recertified, several others are undergoing the process, signaling a broader effort to modernize and upgrade the country’s aviation infrastructure.

“The benefits of these advancements are far-reaching for the flying public, it translates to improved service quality, enhanced safety standards, and greater confidence in the Nigerian aviation sector. While for the economy, it stimulates growth by attracting international airlines and facilitating increased trade and tourism.”

Dati, however, noted that though some challenges, including :  delayed and canceled flights, inadequate air traffic controllers, and high airfares remain concerns , still persists in the aviation industry.

Addressing these challenges, the former FAAN’s image maker maintained, requires a multifaceted approach, including continued investment in infrastructure, human capital development, and regulatory oversight.

He expressed the optimism that, as Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to evolve, the leadership of a dynamic and visionary female leader is poised to drive further progress and solidify the country’s position as a regional aviation hub.