Nigerian Aviation Experts Debate Sustainability of State-owned Airlines

Aviation experts in Nigeria are divided on the long-term sustainability of state-owned airlines, with some expressing doubts due to the demanding nature of the airline business and the challenges of operating under government structures. States like Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Ogun, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa have either established or are in the process of setting up their own airlines.

Captain John Ojikutu, a retired commercial airline operator, highlights the precarious nature of the commercial aviation sector in Nigeria and emphasizes the need for thorough business planning and audits by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure economic viability.