Seven Nigerian States Launch Airlines in Ten Years

Over the past ten years, seven Nigerian states have ventured into the commercial aviation sector, with five state-backed airlines already operational. These include Imo Air (Imo State), Ibom Air (Akwa Ibom State), Cally Air (Cross River State), Enugu Air (Enugu State), and Pioneer Air (Bayelsa State).

Kano and Sokoto states are in various stages of launching their airlines, named Kano Airline and Caliphate Airline, respectively. Aviation stakeholders have mixed views on this trend, suggesting that while these airlines aim to enhance connectivity and tourism, many initiatives are politically motivated and lack sustainable business models.

Chris Aligbe, CEO of Belujane Konzult, criticized state-owned airlines as products of necessity that could harm private operators. He noted that Enugu Air might affect Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines, while Cally Air could impact Ibom Air's customer base.

John Ojikutu, a former Commandant at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, remarked that states pursuing airline ventures often have governors nearing the end of their terms and questioned the credibility of their business plans.