Harold Demuren, ex-Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), praised the Federal Government’s aircraft leasing reforms as a game-changer for Nigerian carriers’ survival. Speaking at the SAPTCO Communications unveiling in Lagos on “International Aero politics and the Survival of Nigerian Carriers,” Demuren highlighted benefits like easier forex access, timely crisis support, and a potential Fly Nigeria Act. He urged policy tweaks to Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA), local interlining first, and protecting market share from foreign airlines draining capital citing Ethiopian Airlines once earning 50% of ticket sales from Nigeria.
Demuren called routes like Lagos-London Nigeria’s “biggest asset,” a high-yield “beautiful bride” fueled by business, diaspora, and trade, but stressed only strong local carriers can challenge foreign pricing monopolies. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, represented by Mrs Obiageli Orah, reaffirmed support via global engagements with Boeing and lessors to boost indigenous airlines under President Tinubu’s agenda.
NCAA DG Capt. Chris Najomo, via Mrs Bukola Teriba, lauded Air Peace’s bold London push as Nigeria staking its global claim, backed by fair regulations and ICAO compliance. Air Peace’s Chief Commercial Officer Nowel Ngala credited government and public support for expanding from Lagos-Gatwick to Abuja-Heathrow despite hurdles.
Leave a comment