Nigeria’s aviation industry is facing a capacity crisis, leading to soaring airfares, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is seeking investors to bridge the gap.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called for increased investment and technical expertise to address the domestic airline capacity shortage, which has resulted in rising airfares. Acting Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, emphasized the need for more investors to drive down fares, promote best practices, and enhance global competitiveness in Nigerian aviation.
“Nigeria’s Minister has actively reached out to major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing, Embraer, and Airbus, to encourage their support for investors in the domestic air market,” Capt. Najomo said. “This will address the capacity issue and allow more Nigerian airlines to compete on international routes.”
The meeting with the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) also addressed enforcement, with Capt. Najomo reaffirming the NCAA’s commitment to holding airlines accountable for infractions. He announced plans to partner with regulatory agencies like the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to identify and penalize offenders.
In response to NANTA’s request, Capt. Najomo agreed to establish a Sector Monitoring Committee, comprising representatives from the NCAA, FCCPC, and NANTA, to address industry challenges.
NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, expressed confidence in the NCAA’s leadership and operational efficiency, pledging support for creating a fair and equitable operating environment. “We must align Nigerian aviation with global best practices and work together to eliminate unethical practices,” Folami stressed.
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Capt. Najomo commended NANTA for its ongoing support of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernize the aviation sector, acknowledging the challenges of leading the industry during this critical time.
