The ambitious plan by the Federal Government of Nigeria to grow the nation's economy to $1 trillion cannot be realised without significant development of the aviation sector, according to a leading industry figure.
Government Support Crucial for Airline Survival
Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, delivered this critical message on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja. He spoke during the inaugural flight of United Nigeria to Accra, Ghana, marking the airline's first regional route expansion.
Prof. Okonkwo emphasised that Nigerian airlines urgently require government support to sustain their operations and compete effectively on a global scale. He identified a major obstacle: the continuous granting of loans to indigenous airlines at double-digit interest rates. This financial burden, he argued, severely inhibits local carriers from competing with their international counterparts.
Aviation as an Economic Catalyst
The airline boss described the aviation industry as a powerful catalyst for overall economic development, which can only thrive with proactive government backing. A key benefit he highlighted was that the strong presence of Nigerian airlines on regional and international routes would save the country from significant capital flight and reduce the immense pressure on the naira.
Despite the challenges, Prof. Okonkwo praised the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu for developing positive policies that have aided airline growth. He stated that without these policies, the new flight service to Accra would not have been possible.
"We don't want grants or free money from the government," Okonkwo clarified. "What we need is just loans at single-digit interest rates. We have a Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, who has been working to implement the government's policies for the sector. Besides, we have a National Assembly that is supporting the sector."
Overcoming Challenges and Future Expansion
Okonkwo expressed optimism about the future, noting that the airline has navigated through the recent foreign exchange crisis. "Having survived the storm, we are now cruising," he declared. The company intends to open more international routes following the successful launch of the Ghana service.
He also took the opportunity to promote the safety and quality of Nigeria's aviation sector, stating, "We need to let the world know that one of the safest aviation industries in the globe is in Nigeria. Our pilots are qualified, while industry regulations are strictly adhered to."
The event also featured remarks from other dignitaries. The Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Baba Ahmed, congratulated United Nigeria for selecting Accra as its first regional destination. He explained that this new service would enhance competition on the route, giving the flying public more travel choices between the two nations.
In a show of industry solidarity, Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, encouraged Nigerians to patronise indigenous airlines. He also called for greater collaboration and cooperation among the nation's carriers, asserting that such unity would lead to increased productivity and revenue generation.
Reinforcing the government's stance, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, reiterated the government's commitment to supporting indigenous businesses, including airlines. He assured operators that most of their requests were being attended to and confirmed that government policies would be geared towards growing domestic investors.
