Nigerian Senate to Regulate Airline Routes with New Bill

The Nigerian Senate is working on a bill to regulate airline routes, aiming to restrict airlines with three or fewer aircraft from operating multiple routes. This initiative, according to Senator Fatai Buhari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, is designed to improve the passenger experience and ensure better service in the aviation sector.

Speaking at the 2024 South-West Regional Air Transportation Summit in Lagos, Senator Buhari explained that the bill seeks to enforce a minimum fleet size of four to five aircraft per airline. Operators who fail to meet this requirement may be limited to specific routes. The summit, themed “Repositioning the Nigerian Aviation Industry for Financial Capability and Economic Viability,” was organized by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

“Though many operators oppose the bill, it is crucial for the benefit of Nigerian passengers. I hope it will pass for the sake of the public,” Buhari said.

Calls for Industry Overhaul

Industry stakeholders at the summit urged the government to overhaul aviation policies to boost growth. They called for the creation of a dedicated aviation development fund to improve infrastructure, enhance safety, and support human capacity building.

Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, Executive Director of Alternative Bank, emphasized that inconsistent policies are hindering progress in the sector. He advocated for public-private partnerships to encourage private investment in airport infrastructure, air navigation services, and aircraft maintenance.

“Nigeria’s aviation industry can only reach its full potential if every part of the value chain works together,” Ozoemene stated.

Collaborative Action Needed

Former U.S. Transportation Security Administration Representative, Oluseyi Ogunleye, urged the NCAA to capitalize on global aviation opportunities to drive national growth. He called for an inclusive regulatory dialogue among stakeholders to address challenges and unlock the sector’s potential.

“The time is now for stakeholders to come together, address the issues, and elevate Nigeria’s aviation industry to new heights,” Ogunleye remarked.