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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, are set to confront and resolve Nigeria's enduring aviation challenges, which have persisted for over six decades.
The aviation sector grapples with a myriad of issues including infrastructure deficiencies, political interference, safety concerns, financial instability, regulatory obstacles, security threats, and soaring operational costs. Passengers also endure frequent flight delays, cancellations, and high fares, contributing to a host of unpleasant experiences for air travelers.
Among the persisting challenges in 2024 are arbitrary airfares, mishandling of passengers' luggage, substandard airport waiting lounges, discourteous airline staff, and a failure to implement passengers' rights. Experts, such as Captain Ado Sanusi, CEO of Aero Contractor, point to an ineffective regulatory framework as a significant hindrance to the industry's progress in 2023.
Former Managing Director of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Muhu Musa, defends the industry, attributing the challenges to high-interest rates and operational costs. In the face of these issues, the aviation sector, which boasts 20 airports, 23 domestic airlines, 554 licensed pilots, 913 licensed engineers, and 1700 cabin personnel, struggles to provide a seamless travel experience.
Despite being a key destination for over 22 foreign carriers and having Bilateral Air Services Agreements with over 90 countries, Nigeria has yet to fully capitalize on the economic benefits of its aviation industry. As Africa's most populous nation, the challenges persist, and the spotlight is now on President Tinubu and Minister Keyamo to navigate these long standing issues in the year ahead.
