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As Nigeria marks its 66th anniversary as a republic, the national president of the President of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), John Ogbe, has spoken on the aviation sector’s trajectory, its wins and challenges.
He provides a candid assessment of where Nigeria’s aviation sector has been, where it stands today, and what must be done to achieve its potential as a continental aviation hub.
How far we have come
Nigerian aviation started in 1960, and in 1961 the national carrier, Nigerian Airways, was created. Nigerian aviation history can be categorized into various stages. The first stage includes the establishment of the national carrier. In the 70s, we experienced an oil boom, during which Nigerian Airways expanded considerably and we developed our first modern international airport, the Murtala Muhammed Airport. However, this was also a period of decline for Nigerian Airways, which suffered from overstaffing, numerous crashes, and ultimately began its demise. In the 90s, many airlines emerged, such as Soliso, Chanchangi, and Albarka but many also collapsed quickly. The 2000s marked a turning point. In 2000, Nigerian Airways was finally liquidated, paving the way for strong carriers like Arik Air and Air Peace, which operate today.
Around the 2000s, Nigeria’s regulatory agencies were separated into NAMA and NCAA to ensure proper oversight with NCAA for safety and NAMA for air traffic services and airport infrastructure.
Achievements
I would like to discuss the current administration’s achievements in addressing these challenges. The aviation industry is fortunate to have a dedicated minister and hardworking CEOs and airline operators during this period.
Despite the enormous challenges, the aviation industry continues to adapt and survive. One major achievement of this administration is the release of over 850 million dollars in trapped funds for foreign airlines. Additionally, the government has removed Nigeria from the Cape Town Convention blacklist a major boost for local airlines on international routes, assisted local airlines with domestic, regional, and international operations, iinvested N760 billion naira in the remodelling of Murtala Muhammed Airport and upgraded navigational aids and radar equipment and enacted policies enabling private sector investment in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.
An MRO is essential because airlines currently send aircraft abroad for maintenance checks, incurring costs in dollars. This administration is creating an enabling environment for Nigeria to establish its own MRO. Additionally, Nigeria achieved an aviation safety record of 91.45 percent, the highest ever recorded, thanks to strengthened safety oversight by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Challenges
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Let me address some major challenges facing the industry: airlines face multiple constraints, infrastructural gaps, high energy costs (especially for Jet A1), spare parts priced in dollars, and obsolete navigational and radar equipment.
Regarding prospects, we cannot say we have reached where we want to be. Aviation is global, and as Nigerians, we cannot restrict ourselves to local markets. We must focus on capacity building. There is a decline in aviation professionals. The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) needs support to produce qualified professionals.
We need upgraded radar and navigational equipment because while improvements have been made, more can be done. We also need to establish a world-class hub and with the modernization of the international airport, we can achieve this goal. We need a private sector MRO which would save airlines considerably on maintenance and servicing costs.
Additionally, we need a strong national carrier because a nation cannot achieve aviation excellence without a national carrier. This carrier should be privately operated, as the advantages are enormous. I urge the government to pursue this. We also need a dedicated Jet A1 refinery. We could benefit from a refinery dedicated to producing Jet A1 to support the aviation industry and reduce dependence on imports.
Aviation unions
assure you, unions have evolved significantly over the years. Our engagement practices have become more robust and scientific. As unions, we believe that when the business thrives, workers’ welfare improves. We bring critical discussions to the table about business sustainability and workplace conditions.
This is an ideal time because we have enjoyed considerable industrial peace and harmony. The perception that aviation unions are antagonistic is incorrect. I urge all business owners and government officials to see unions as collaborators and social partners committed to supporting the business.
Labor is the most critical factor of production. When workers are treated well, they contribute their best to improve the workplace. We have collaborated with management and government agencies on several occasions. When the Jet A1 crisis intensified, unions advocated for support for local airlines. We also requested waivers for spare parts importation when costs increased.
We understand that aviation profit margins are very small and most operations are cost-recovery based. We will not jeopardize the industry. I urge everyone to see aviation unions as collaborators, not as entities intent on disrupting aviation operations.
