Chris Aligbe Critiques Nigerian Airlines' Global Competitiveness

Aviation experts have raised concerns regarding the declining global competitiveness of Nigerian airlines, attributing this issue to the dominance of individual ownership structures, limited access to institutional capital, and rising operating costs. Despite improvements in aviation regulation, safety, infrastructure, and airspace management in Nigeria, these advancements have not led to a transformation in the airline subsector.

Chris Aligbe, aviation expert and CEO of Belujane Konzult Nigeria, stated that while Nigerian airlines are making progress domestically and within West Africa, they have largely disappeared from the ranks of internationally recognized airlines. He emphasized that the current ownership and financing model is inadequate for developing globally competitive carriers.

Aligbe expressed skepticism about any Nigerian airline emerging as a major global player in the next four to five years under the existing model, which lacks significant institutional capital and sustainable financing structures necessary for success in the global airline industry.