SPECIAL REPORT ON AVIATION MILESTONES IN 2024 27-12-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Nigerian aviation sector experienced a remarkable year in 2024, marked by significant achievements and positive developments.
From regulatory advancements to infrastructure improvements and increased international connectivity, the industry has made strides towards its goal of becoming a regional aviation hub.
The most notable achievement was the country’s Cape Town Convention (CTC) compliance score improvement from 49 to 75.5%, the highest score ever recorded and a move that secured Nigeria’s exit from the Aviation Working Group (AWG) watchlist.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, described the accomplishment as a “pivotal milestone,” particularly with the completion of the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA) process by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“We are good to go in terms of being part of the global players, it was in shambles when we came to power but Mr. President supported me especially the support to shore up the capacity of our local airlines”.
The improved compliance has already yielded tangible results, including the acquisition of new aircraft by domestic airlines to enhance their operational capacity.
Captain Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of a prominent local airline, highlighted the transformative impact on fleet expansion and service delivery.
“Cape Town Convention is quite commendable but it is just a part of the ingredients that is needed for aviation to grow”.
In another landmark development, Nigeria signed new Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) with countries such as the United Arab Emirates, leading to the resumption of Emirates Airlines’ flights to Nigeria after a two-year hiatus.
Uganda Airlines also commenced operations at Abuja Airport, further expanding Nigeria’s international connectivity.
Domestically, Air Peace resumed flights on the Lagos-London route after a five-year break, offering passengers relief from exorbitant airfares previously charged by foreign carriers.
Aviation stakeholders, including Dr. Gbenga Olowo and Mr. Chris Aligbe, hailed the development as a step forward in boosting passenger options and affordability.
“That’s good, that’s commendable, it is now left for the carrier to prove it’s worth. You must up your game in terms of schedule reliability and the services”.
The NCAA also embraced digital transformation by launching an electronic portal to streamline processes and inaugurated a new office building in Port Harcourt.
Acting Director General, Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, described the portal as a tool to usher in a “new era of digital aviation defined by innovation, efficiency, and productivity.”
“NCAA’s proactive response, its benefits are far-reaching. This platform is designed to provide consumers with quick access, monitoring of airlines, how airlines are doing, it will showcase it real-time”.
Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), under the Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, intensified efforts to upgrade airport facilities through public-private partnerships.
This initiative aims to align Nigeria’s airports with international standards, enhancing passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
“Our core responsibility at FAAN is to provide, a good passenger experience with good infrastructure, safety and comfort, so we will make sure that it is done”.
In response to rising complaints about poor airline service, the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Department launched an awareness campaign on passenger rights and responsibilities.
Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, emphasized the importance of empowering passengers to demand better service quality.
“There is positive feedback, the airlines and travel agencies having made a commitment to rejig their approach to consumer protection”.
The dark moment this year was the helicopter crash that claimed eight lives on board with the recovery of six bodies and part of the wreckage of the helicopter.
While the milestones achieved in 2024 are commendable, union leaders, comrade Abednego Galadinma, President, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers and Abdulrazak Saidu, Secretary General, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals urged continued action to address gaps in the sector.
“Are we there yet, No. We need to do more hard work to see that every stakeholder will feel that, he is given the right policies, the right attention by government. Workers’ welfare, all the parastatals none has updated and approved conditions of Service, CoS”.
As the year ends, stakeholders hope for less rhetoric and more decisive actions to build a profitable, sustainable, and resilient aviation industry.
The achievements of 2024 have undoubtedly set the stage for a brighter future in Nigerian aviation.