An appraisal of the Aviation Industry by Former Secretary General, National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, Comrade Olayinka Abioye.
The Nigerian Aviation system is surviving, not because of governments intervention in terms of functional and sustainable policies but sheer determination of some individuals who perhaps do not want their images destroyed and chose to deploy their skills, experience and professionalism to their duties.
When followers see such disposition from their leaders, they tend to follow. Looking back six years or so, we must pat ourselves on the back for a job well done and I hope to itemise these accomplishments in two stages.
1. Airlines
Nigerian airline operators must be commended for bracing the odds to still remain afloat. I must single out a state operator, Ibom Air which bestrides our skies in flying colour, conquering one route after another and expanding its operational capabilities with panache. Kudos also to the king of them all, Air Peace.
My only worry however is the state of affairs in Arik Air. Which direction is that airline taking, given the controversial takeover by AMCON, its unbundling into two airlines without recourse to due diligence essentially when workers of the original Arik are being deployed to the new airline without proper processes. Neither has AMCON informed Nigerians as to the actual indebtedness of ARIK before takeover and where the financial status is at the moment.
2. Aviation Agencies
AIB
Federal government agencies have managed to remain relevant despite some few self inflicted injuries. I must place on record, the unparalleled achievements of the AIB boss and his team who has shown humongous commitment, not only in turning around AIB but placing her on another pedestal worthy of envy by other African aviation communities.
NAMA
NAMA is also upping her game but has failed to address fundamental issues of staff welfare. For more than three years, staff Conditions of service is yet to be released for implementation thereby creating avoidable tensions amongst staffers. Unfortunately again, the failure or negligence should be out squarely on the officers in Human Resources Directorate, whose duty was/is to ensure that the document is processed for release.
There has also been the issue of recruitment without due diligence within the same Directorate, where it is being reported that in some stations/airports, some members of staff are floating without any work assigned to them while in the critical areas such as those in Operations, it has been a case of few personnel performing the jobs of many. In some cases, recruitment is done haphazardly. If the Directorate can be refocused, the any shall be the beginning of good things to come as their CEO is a globally respected professional who wants the very best for the agency but for this Directorate that ha become a cog in its wheel of progress.
FAAN
FAAN being the traditional manager and operator of all Nigerian Federal airports and a few states owned has the capacity to excel and share in her dividends. So much hope has been placed on FAAN but she has consistently denied herself the respect she deservedly earns.
I look forward to the Commercial and Business Development Directorate thinking outside the box and enhance the financial status of the authority through non aeronautical sources which abounds across the country.
Too much indolence may be their setback, as FAAN is so blessed with the human capital to make the desired developmental changes that are required so much so that no Minister will dream or think of giving out our airports for concessions. I have said it several times that the Engineering Directorate of FAAN can serve as a money spinner if properly utilized but major jobs she ought to be engaged in have been given out to Contractors and if you look closely, almost everything is contracted out in FAAN at humongous costs.
NiMET
NIMET is in safe hands again, and should be assisted so that the ever persevering members of staff are made happier with a functional and modern day service conditions. She is enjoying international recognition and respect too while I enthuse with my people at the Centre of Aviation Excellence, the College in Zaria.
NCAT
The FG must rise up to take NCAT to the zenith with unfettered access to (the) public support and sponsorship of students to the College. As more airlines are springing up, we expect to see same leap in studentship at the College, more so with dearth of professional aviators due to retirements and even death. One other challenge which I hope has been finally laid to rest is the status of the College.
NCAA
NCAA should turn her fortunes around by deepening the human capital development of staff through regular trainings, retraining both locally and overseas. To avoid current straightjacket promotion palaver, management is encouraged to open up space for all suitably qualified staff enjoy their promotions without the excuse of no vacancy. If there is no vacancy, they should use beat endeavours to create vacancies as it is counter productive to deliberately fail staff because there will be no vacant office to occupy. All in all, we are growing but not yet where we should be.
Ministry of Aviation
Finally, the Federal Ministry of Aviation which serves as the General Overseer of the system should be transparent enough to carry everyone along, allow interventions and suggestions for the continued growth of the system.
The Distinguished Senator Minister, cannot do it alone, no matter how brilliant he may be. He needs the support of stakeholders who are willing and ready to lend their support for the greater good of Nigeria and Nigerian aviation lovers an enthusiasts. It is saddening that none of the promises he made have been fulfilled. No national carrier, no MRO, No leasing company and no improvement in our airports aside the hellbent disposition of airport concessions.
May God bless the works of the hands of our aviation leaders and the workers who ensure that all works well for the good of Africa.
