The aviation industry plays a vital role in global connectivity, and its growth is crucial for economic development.
However, the industry faces numerous challenges, including infrastructural impediments that hinder its growth.
At the 28th edition of the LAAC Annual Conference with the theme: “Aviation Survivability amidst a Challenging Macro-Economic Environment”, an aviation expert, Dr. Alex Nwuba examined the infrastructural impediments to successful aviation industry growth in Nigeria.
According to him, the inability to talk honestly about the issues in the face of interests is one of the biggest challenges facing Nigerian aviation.
Speaking on the topic: “Infrastructural Impediments to Aviation Industry Growth”, he defined infrastructure as the basic physical systems of a business, region, or nation, which involves the production of public goods or production processes such as transportation systems, communication networks, sewage, water, and school systems.
Dr. Nwuba who is also the President, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, AOPAN, identified six key impediments to the production of aviation services: economic factors, operating environment, regulatory impediments, security factors, external factors, and the Nigerian factor.
He noted that the economic component is the most significant impediment, citing the challenges of hyperinflation, significant currency devaluation, and multifold increases in input costs.
The operating environment is also a major challenge, with airlines facing huge costs from service providers and airports.
The AOPAN President, highlighted the need for efficient slot allocation, but noted that the current system is flawed and fails to address the character and operating model of Nigerian airlines.
Regulatory impediments are another significant challenge, with complex and ever-changing aviation regulations adding to operational costs.
He emphasized the need for a new and sustainable aviation business policy that drives growth and positions Nigeria for the coming common trade area for goods, services, and a single air traffic market.
Security factors, including the threat of terrorism, cybersecurity risks, and geopolitical instability, are also major impediments.
Dr. Nwuba noted that the Nigerian factor, which includes the lack of consistency and policy somersaults, is a significant impediment to the growth of the aviation sector.
The aviation expert recommended that the industry must adapt to overcome these impediments and ensure sustainable growth.
He emphasized the need for more effort to address human factor and efficiency issues, as well as the development of a new and sustainable aviation business policy that drives growth and positions Nigeria for the future.
