Nigeria’s aviation sector best market to begin airline – Nwuba rubbishes IATA
Dr. Alex Nwuba Advocates for Nigerian Aviation Industry Amid Contradictory Reports
LAGOS—Dr. Alex Nwuba, an aviation expert and president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, asserted on Tuesday that Nigeria’s aviation sector is well-positioned for airline startups.
In an interview with DAILY POST, Nwuba’s comments come just weeks after the International Air Transport Association (IATA) listed Nigeria and Afghanistan as the least favorable locations for establishing an airline business, citing issues such as multiple taxation that contribute to elevated airfare rates.
Nwuba refuted IATA’s assessment, emphasizing the potential for successful aviation enterprises in Nigeria. He acknowledged that local airlines often struggle to maximize profitability within the current market conditions, urging operators to concentrate on developing domestic and regional routes rather than pursuing long-haul flights.
“This is the best market. Airlines need to understand the landscape better,” Nwuba said. “Focus on building the domestic and regional markets and forget long-haul.”
Many airline operators in Nigeria have attributed high ticket prices to excessive taxation and a challenging operational environment. Reports indicate that the price of aviation fuel, known as Jet A1, has surged in recent months, prompting calls for more reasonable airfare adjustments.
Currently, fares for a one-hour flight to Lagos range from ₦90,000 to ₦150,000, while the cost of aviation fuel stands at approximately ₦3,000 per liter.
