Nigerian Aviation Sector Faces Crisis Amid High Costs

The Nigerian aviation sector is described as a "boiling pot," facing numerous challenges such as multiple taxation, infrastructure decay, unpaid services, union agitation, and policy inconsistency. Over the last four decades, more than 100 Nigerian airlines have ceased operations, with the average lifespan of an airline being just five years.

Factors contributing to this include high fuel costs, which account for 35-40% of airline revenue, and significant maintenance expenses, with C-checks costing between $1-3 million. The lack of corporate governance and financial transparency is highlighted as a critical issue.

Despite Nigeria's strong safety record, with only two fatal accidents in the past decade and the retention of US FAA Category One status, the country was de-listed by the FAA due to a lack of indigenous airline services to the US. The Civil Aviation Act 2023 has also faced criticism from unions for being anti-labor, with accusations of employment conditions violating labor rights.