Nigeria’s aviation industry has recorded significant growth in recent years, with an increase in the number of aircraft, despite several challenges that have plagued the sector.
While maintaining a growth trajectory, reports reveal that the total number of aircraft in Nigeria has surged by 100% in 8 years, while the country’s number of airports has also increased significantly, currently numbering up to 40.
Speaking on the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector, Director General and Chief Executive Officer NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu while speaking at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conference (FNAC) with the theme: “Sustainability of the Aviation Industry In Nigeria”, stated that despite the challenges the industry has faced in recent years, ranging from regulatory, institutional and structural challenges, especially the breakout of the Covid-19 pandemic, aviation in Nigeria has so far been on a growth trajectory.
Mr. Nuhu further disclosed that when the Buhari administration came on board in 2015, there were only 34 Air Transport Licenses (ATL), but today, the number has increased to 73. He added that commercial certificates were just 196 but skyrocketed to 320 at present. Also, airstrips across the country had moved from 77 to 92, indicating an increase of 15 within the last 8 years.
Investors King understands that the aviation sector in Nigeria is one of the most rewarding for investors. The growing demand for aviation services in the country has encouraged many airlines to establish or plan to establish operations in Nigeria.
In 2022, the industry experienced a lot of developments as it worked to overcome various challenges it faced. A very notable development is the assent of the Civil Aviation Act 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The president stated that the implementation of the civil aviation act which is a critical aspect of ICAO will further strengthen the sector for improved safety.
Experts have disclosed that the adoption of the Civil Aviation Policy which centered on liberalization and Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives by the current administration had resulted in significant growth of the industry, including huge investments in the Nation Airports and has increased capacity of the airports and growth of the domestic airline industry.
They, therefore, emphasized that it is necessary for Nigeria’s aviation sector to remain sound, harmonized, and remain in compliance with the standards and recommended practices in the sector, noting that it is 100 percent regulated and Nigeria must comply with global practices.