Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure deficit hits $30b

 The appalling infrastructure deficit at the country’s aerodromes came to the fore at a forum in Lagos, with stakeholders lamenting decrepit facilities, saying the situation has continued to deny the country of maximising its potentials in the sector.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) had equally decried the appalling state of facilities at the nation’s aerodromes, noting that Nigeria would need over $30 billion to tackle the malaise.

Experts who spoke at the 2017 Conference of the Aviation Round Table (ART) in Lagos titled,” Nigerian Aviation Infrastructure : Development and Challenges.”

They noted that the failure to address the infrastructural deficit had continued to prevent the country from maximising the potentialities accruing from the aviation industry.

from left Dr Harold Demuren, former DG, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and Guest Speaker;  Elder Gabriel Olowu, President, Aviation Roundtable; Mr Nick Fadugba, Chairman of the Occasion and Captain Samuel Coulcrick, former Rector, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, NCAT during the Aviation Round Table  Conference 2017 in Lagos photos. Lamidi Bamidele

The speakers included Dr Harold Demuren, a former Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority  (NCAA) and Mr Richard Aisuebeogun, former Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Others were Mr Nick Fadugba, former Secretary General,  African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and Mr Gbenga Olowo, President, ART.

In his presentation, Demuren said there was the need for both Federal and State governments to have commitment to aviation infrastructure development.

He said this would enhance connectivity,  expand passenger and cargo markets,  create more competitive fare structures,  increased destination for travellers and help boost socio-economic activities.

“The prosperity of any nation is determined by investments in infrastructure, especially in aviation and transportation.

“However, these investments must be done in a transparent manner which will attract more investors, “Demuren noted.

He said unfortunately, some of the concession agreements between government and private investors to address the infrastructural gap in the aviation sector had only led to unresolved disputes.

Demuren also advised the government to support Nigeria’s airlines through enactment of favourable policies and access to financial loans to acquire modern aircraft to compete with other global airlines.

Also speaking, Aisuebeogun called for the establishment of a national hanger for the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of aircraft in order to ease the burden of airline operators.